The Bangladesh Navy has successfully completed its "Special Combing Operation-2025" under the "In Aid to Civil Power" initiative to protect the country's fisheries and biodiversity.
The operation concluded on Friday, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to ISPR, the special combing operation was conducted in coordination with the Navy and law enforcement agencies, starting from January 12.
The operation was carried out in four phases between January 12–19, January 25–31, February 9–15 and February 21–28.
A total of 303 raids were conducted during these phases, resulting in the seizure of illegal fishing nets and juvenile ilish (jatka) worth Tk132.47 crore.
To prevent destructive fishing activities, the Bangladesh Navy carried out operations in 16 districts, including Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Shariatpur, Barisal, Jhalkathi, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Bhola, and Munshiganj.
Twelve naval ships and bases, along with a significant number of boats, were deployed for the operation.
ISPR further reported that a total of 17.67 million metres of illegal nets — including current nets, mosquito nets, China duari nets, cotton nets, and barrier nets — were seized.
Additionally, 542 prohibited nets (such as behundi nets, tong nets, and China ring nets) and 109kg of juvenile ilish were confiscated.
The illegal nets were later destroyed by the local administration, while the seized juvenile ilish was donated to local orphanages.
To curb illegal fishing practices and encourage sustainable fishing, public awareness campaigns were also conducted in the affected areas.
ISPR added that the Bangladesh Navy has been conducting special combing operations in coastal districts since 2021.
Currently, seven naval ships and bases are actively deployed in nine districts to prevent the catching of juvenile ilish.
