Navy deploys 17 warships to protect spawning hilsa

The Bangladesh Navy has launched a special operation to protect spawning hilsa during the peak breeding season. The operation will continue until October 25, during which catching, transporting, storing and selling hilsa is strictly prohibited.

In a press release issued on Saturday (4 October), the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said that 17 warships have been deployed across rivers and coastal areas in nine districts as part of the government-declared 22-day operation.

According to the statement, the Navy is conducting the ‘Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2025’ under the principle of In Aid to Civil Power. Patrols, searches and surveillance are being carried out to protect breeding grounds and prevent illegal fishing trawlers.

The release specified that in Chandpur the deployed vessels include BNS Dhanshiri, Shaheed Farid and BNDB Gangchil; in Cox’s Bazar—BNS Atandra, Shaheed Mohibullah, Durjoy, Sagor and Shaheed Daulat; in Khulna and Bagerhat—BNS Meghna, Chitra, Titas, Kortoa, Abu Bakar, Durgom, Salam and Kushiyara; while in the Barishal–Patuakhali region BNS Padma, Chitra, Titas and LCVP-013 are on patrol.

ISPR further said that constant monitoring is underway in deep sea areas with warships and advanced maritime patrol aircraft to prevent intrusion by local and foreign fishermen. The campaign is being conducted in coordination with local administration, Coast Guard, Naval Police and the Department of Fisheries.

The release added that strict action will be taken against those engaged in illegal hilsa fishing, alongside awareness campaigns to educate the public.

ISPR affirmed that the Navy is dedicated to safeguarding the spawning grounds and protecting hilsa as a national resource. Naval personnel are tirelessly carrying out their duties to ensure a secure breeding environment across both sea and inland rivers.