Over 1,200 birds that had been illegally captured and trapped were rescued and released by officials in Bagerhat's Mollahat upazila today.

The operation was carried out in the afternoon in Rajpat village led by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Harekrishna Adhikari.

The birds, identified as Jhut Shalik, were found confined in specialised nets inside a makeshift structure within a fish enclosure. However, the poachers managed to evade capture, fleeing the scene before authorities arrived.

Adhikari said, "During winter, wetlands become lively with migratory and local birds. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous hunters exploit this and set traps to capture them. Had we arrived any later, the birds might have been trafficked. Legal action under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act will be initiated against those involved in this illegal activity. Efforts to locate and arrest the perpetrators are ongoing."