The seized nets and other fishing equipment had been obstructing vessel movement along the navigation route and posed a serious risk to ships using the port, the authority said.
Navy, Coast Guard, Ansar and port officials pose for a photo with the seized fishing nets during an operation on 16 August 2026. Photo: Courtesy
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Navy, Coast Guard, Ansar and port officials pose for a photo with the seized fishing nets during an operation on 16 August 2026. Photo: Courtesy
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) removed around 15,000 metres of current fishing nets and 22 tong nets from the port’s main shipping channel and outer anchorage today (16 August) as part of a special operation to ensure safe navigation.
The operation was conducted from 7am to 12:30pm in the Karnaphuli Channel and outer anchorage, according to a CPA press release.
The seized nets and other fishing equipment had been obstructing vessel movement along the navigation route and posed a serious risk to ships using the port, the authority said.
CPA deployed its vessels BLV Lusai and Kandari-8, along with four local boats, to clear the illegal fishing nets.
A Bangladesh Coast Guard vessel and a boat also assisted the operation.
During the drive, authorities seized and removed 22 tong nets, around 15,000 metres of current nets and a large quantity of other illegal fishing equipment from the navigation route.
Fishing boats operating in the designated navigation route were instructed to leave the area immediately.
Fishermen were also warned against placing nets in the port’s navigation routes and shipping channel.
The port authority said the operation was aimed at maintaining safe and uninterrupted navigation for commercial vessels using Chattogram Port.
It added that such monitoring and clearance drives would continue regularly to remove obstructions and prevent fishing activities from creating risks for vessels.
