Airborne Alert: Bangladesh Air Force Assists in Hilsa Conservation Campaign

To ensure the success of the Hilsa Breeding Season Conservation Programme 2025, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has launched special aerial surveillance missions across key riverine and coastal regions of the country.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) on Sunday night, October 12, the operation is being conducted “in aid to civil power” under the initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The special campaign began on October 4 and will continue until October 25.

As part of the operation, a BAF helicopter conducted an aerial surveillance mission on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. over rivers in Munshiganj, Madaripur, and Shariatpur districts to curb illegal fishing activities. The helicopter patrolled river areas in Munshiganj Sadar, Lohajang, Shibchar, Kalkini, Zajira, Naria, and Vedarganj upazilas, successfully completing the mission.

Simultaneously, another BAF helicopter carried out a similar mission from Sharankhola to Shyamnagar, covering the Sundarbans and the southwest coastal zones of Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira districts to prevent illegal fishing.

The ISPR release further stated that the helicopters were equipped with high-powered searchlights (“Night Sun”) to enhance nighttime visibility and aid in monitoring fishing vessels. The aircrew also used Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to ensure effective surveillance even in complete darkness.

It added that the missions were conducted with real-time air-to-ground communication, enabling seamless coordination with field-level law enforcement agencies and officials of the Fisheries Ministry. The Air Force will also carry out similar surveillance missions in Kutubdia, Barishal, and Bhola regions in the coming days.