Kuakata Naval Police apprehended 13 fishermen, along with an unnamed engine boat (Trawler), for violating the 65-day fishing ban in the Bay of Bengal near Kalapara, Patuakhali.
The fishermen were intercepted by a patrol team of Kuakata Naval Police while operating in the deep sea on the eastern side of the Bay of Bengal, close to Kuakata, on Thursday.
Upon confrontation, the fishermen discarded their catch into the sea in front of the naval authorities.
Delwar Hossain, Police Inspector at Kuakata Naval Police Outpost, stated that since May 20, they have intensified sea patrols following the government's imposition of a 65-day fishing ban.
Acting on undisclosed information, they conducted a raid around 10 am on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 13 fishermen from various villages in Kalapara. Additionally, nets and boat were confiscated during the operation.
Hossain emphasised that the arrested individuals would face legal consequences under the Fisheries Conservation Act for their actions.
