The Bangladesh Air Force has joined the national initiative to prevent illegal fishing during the Hilsa breeding season under the campaign titled “Mother Hilsa Conservation Operation 2025.”
According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the operation is being conducted under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock as part of the “In Aid to Civil Power” policy. As part of this initiative, the Air Force is carrying out aerial surveillance missions over various rivers and coastal regions across the country.
Between October 4 and 25, Air Force helicopters are conducting continuous aerial monitoring in key fishing zones. On Sunday evening at 6 p.m., one of the Air Force helicopters carried out surveillance operations over riverine areas in Munshiganj, Madaripur, and Shariatpur districts, including Munshiganj Sadar, Louhajong, Shibchar, Kalkini, Jajira, Naria, and Vedarganj upazilas. At the same time, another helicopter conducted air patrols along the southwestern coastal region and the Sundarbans, covering areas from Sharankhola in Bagerhat to Shyamnagar in Satkhira district.
The helicopters deployed in the mission are equipped with high-powered searchlights known as “Night Sun,” which significantly enhance visibility during nighttime operations and assist in identifying fishing boats engaged in illegal activities. Additionally, the aircrew are using night vision goggles to ensure complete visibility in darkness, enabling effective detection of unauthorized fishing.
The Air Force is maintaining uninterrupted air-to-ground communication throughout the missions to ensure close coordination with field-level law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Similar surveillance operations are also being conducted from multiple Air Force bases over Kutuubdia, Barishal, and Bhola regions as part of the nationwide campaign to protect the breeding of Hilsa—the national fish of Bangladesh.
