At least 36 fishermen have been arrested along with two trawlers, illegal nets, and a large quantity of Hilsa fish from the Meghna River under Hatia upazila in Noakhali district.

A team from the Coast Guard conducted several operations in various areas of the river from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon. During these operations, the Coast Guard arrested the fishermen and recovered two trawlers, 70 lakh meters of illegal nets, and 400 kg of Hilsa fish.

Later, the nets were destroyed by being set on fire, and the fish were donated to several institutions in the area.

Earlier, the government banned the catching of Hilsa fish from the river between October 13 and November 3 to protect the mother Hilsa fish.

Lieutenant Sabbir Rahman, media officer of the Hatia Coast Guard, confirmed the matter.