The Forest Department rescued 494 turtles of rare species in Khulna on Saturday with the help of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in a joint drive.
Three people were also arrested over the matter at Zero Point of Khulna city.
Sourced said these turtles were being smuggled to India.
Madinul Ahsan, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, said they seized a pickup containing eight drums of the rare species turtles with the help of RAB-6.
The turtles were being taken to Patkelgatha of Satkhira from Agailjhara upazila in Barisal in a bid to smuggle those to India, he said, adding that they arrested three smugglers from the vehicle.
UNB says, the rescued turtles will be released in Bhawal National Park in Gazipur, Maidul added.
A case was also filed.