The Bangladesh Navy has been deployed in sea, river and coastal areas to implement the government’s 22-day Mother Ilish Conservation Campaign-2026 from October 8 to 29 during the peak breeding season of Ilish.
During the campaign, fishing, transport, storage, buying, selling and exchange of Ilish will be completely prohibited. Fishing of all species, including Ilish, by all fishing vessels has also been prohibited in designated marine fishing areas.
Under In Aid to Civil Power, Bangladesh Navy ships and contingents have been deployed for patrol and monitoring operations in 9 districts to implement the campaign.
Bangladesh Navy ships and maritime patrol aircraft are conducting round-the-clock surveillance to prevent illegal entry by domestic and foreign fishing vessels and fishers into the deep sea.
Ships, craft, boats and contingents of the Bangladesh Navy Fleet have been deployed in the sea, coastal areas and the country’s inland rivers, including the main Ilish breeding grounds.
In close coordination with the local administration, armed forces, Coast Guard, Naval Police and fisheries authorities, the Navy will work to prevent illegal Ilish fishing and the entry of foreign fishing trawlers.
During the campaign, strict enforcement will be carried out against individuals involved in illegal Ilish fishing and mechanized fishing vessels, alongside awareness campaigns.
The Bangladesh Navy has regularly played a role in protecting Ilish breeding grounds, creating favorable conditions for uninterrupted breeding and conserving mother Ilish as a national economic resource.
The Navy is continuing its efforts to ensure the safe breeding of Ilish in the country’s maritime boundary and inland rivers and to protect fisheries resources.
Why it matters
The deployment safeguards national fisheries resources and ensures the uninterrupted breeding of Ilish during its peak season.