The Bangladesh Coast Guard seized illegal fishing nets valued at approximately Tk 75 crore during a combing operation in Maheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The operation was conducted throughout Wednesday by the Coast Guard’s Maheshkhali station in coordination with the Department of Fisheries. The seizure was confirmed on Friday, January 23, 2026, by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Suman Al Mukit.

According to the Coast Guard, the special operation took place near the fishing communities of Maheshkhali, where around 50 lakh meters of banned fishing nets were confiscated. No arrests were made as the fishermen reportedly fled upon sensing the presence of the Coast Guard. The seized nets were later destroyed in the presence of the Maheshkhali upazila fisheries officer.

Lieutenant Commander Suman Al Mukit stated that the Coast Guard will continue such operations in the future to protect the country’s fisheries resources.