Published: 12:30 AM, 03 November 2026
BAF conducts aerial surveillance to protect mother Hilsa
Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) successfully conducted aerial surveillance missions in different parts of the country from October 8 to 29 to support the 'Mother Hilsa Conservation Drive-2026' during the breeding season of the country's national fish.
The missions were carried out under an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to ensure the protection of mother Hilsa during their breeding season, said an ISPR release issued on Monday evening.
"BAF helicopters conducted aerial surveillance over important rivers and coastal areas, including those in Munshiganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur, Barishal and Bhola from Dhaka," it said, adding that Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira from Jashore and the Kutubdia region from Chattogram. During surveillance over rivers in Madaripur and Shariatpur, fishing boats were spotted, and the crews used high-powered searchlights, known as Night Sun, to alert the vessels. BAF helicopters are equipped with high-powered searchlights to improve visibility in darkness and help monitor fishing boats after dusk.
Aircrews also used night vision goggles (NVGs) to conduct effective surveillance in low-light conditions and detect illegal fishing activities.
The missions ensured close coordination with field-level law enforcement agencies and officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock through air-to-ground communication systems.
Apart from the designated areas, BAF has also been conducting special surveillance over coastal regions through low-level flights as part of training missions from different air bases.
The release said the Air Force was carrying out such missions under 'In Aid to Civil Power', contributing to the conservation of the country's natural resources and national development.
BAF remains committed to protecting the environment and natural resources, and such activities will continue in the national interest, the ISPR added.
