Nine fishermen were sentenced to 15 days in prison for catching hilsa in the Padma River at Bhedarganj upazila of Shariatpur on Saturday, in violation of a fishing ban.
Also, two fishing boats were seized, and 40,000 metres of current nets were burned.
Nazrul Islam, Bhedarganj upazila fisheries officer, confirmed the matter.
The operation was carried out by the fisheries directorate, police, and a mobile court in the Padma River area of the upazila.
Nazrul said that a 22-day ban on all fishing activities in the river was in place to protect the hilsa population. The fisheries department and upazila administration were jointly conducting the enforcement drive.