Current nets worth Tk244 crore seized
Authorities have seized current nets worth around Tk244 crore as part of the mother Hilsha conservation drive.
The government had imposed a 22-day nationwide ban on the catching, sales, transport and hoarding of Hilsha fish during the breeding season from 14 October to 4 November.
During this time, law enforcement seized current nets worth TK243.36 crore from fishermen who had violated the ban, said a press statement issued by Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Saturday.
According to the Ministry, law enforcement have conducted 2,640 mobile courts and 19,818 drives during this time and captured 12.91 crore meters of current nets.
During these drives, 5,533 fishermen have been imprisoned for illegally catching Hilsha and Tk91 lakh in fines have been imposed on them.
A total of 6,904 cases have been filed against the errant fishermen during this period.
Deputy Commissioners of 36 districts, Upazila Nirbahi Officers of 152 upazilas, Naval Police, Coastguard, Air Force, Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other relevant organisations have actively supported the Department of Fisheries in the execution of these drives.