Bangladesh Coast Guard has been working relentlessly  for the overall security of coastal and riverine areas to enrich blue economy

Since its inception, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has been making significant contributions to the security of the vast coastal and riverine areas of the country. Through maintaining law and order in these areas, protecting lives and property, combating smuggling, drugs, and human trafficking, and providing relief and assistance during various natural disasters, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has become a symbol of security and trust among the people.

Under the directive of the Coast Guard Headquarters and the tireless efforts of the Coast Guard East Zone, Chattogram Port has now become safe one  from risky port. 

The Coast Guard East Zone ensures security through foot patrols in remote areas under its jurisdiction, patrolling in coastal regions with 13 ships and high-speed boats, and deploying Quick Response Force (QRF) and diving teams in emergency situations.

Through intelligence activities and continuous patrolling, from February 2025 to date (within four months), under the supervision of this zone, approximately 22,15,744 pieces of yaba tablets worth an estimated Tk. 111,06,41,000 (One hundred eleven crore six lakh forty-one thousand), 1151 bottles of foreign liquor, 1143 cans of beer, 86 bottles of whisky, 71 bottles of vodka, 50 liters of local liquor, 20 liters of Twin Valley olive oil, 66 kg 100 grams of cannabis have been seized. In addition, 78 drug dealers/traffickers and 08 dangerous terrorists and robbers were apprehended with 14 local firearms, 24 local weapons, 23 rounds of live ammunition, and 09 blank cartridges.

With the objective of conserving marine fisheries and increasing fish production, the Coast Guard East Zone has conducted special operations and seized 300 kg of jatka (juvenile hilsa), 7.5 tons of marine fish, and from outer anchorages while being smuggled into the country evading duties and taxes, about  Tk. 50,00,000 (Fifty lakh) worth of 04 metric tons of fuel oil, 7.8 metric tons of edible oil, 995 liters of paint along with other essential goods and 200 sacks (ten thousand kg) of long-grain Thai white rice, banned for sale and manufactured in Thailand. In addition, approximately Tk. 30,00,000 (Thirty lakh) worth of 2400 sacks of cement, 1342 sacks of urea fertilizer, a large number of electronics and readymade garments were seized while being illegally trafficked to Myanmar.

Various service activities such as awareness campaigns, environmental development, relief distribution, and free medical services are conducted through stations/outposts under the Coast Guard East Zone. As part of this, for the first time, a week-long workshop was held from May 11 to 17 on Saint Martin’s Island. 

Through the spontaneous participation of members of the Coast Guard, Teknaf Upazila Administration, Police, BGB, Department of Narcotics Control, Department of Disaster Management, Department of Environment and Forests, various government and non-government organizations, and general island residents, basic training was provided by experienced instructors on fire extinguishing drills, pre-disaster warning and post-disaster actions, overcoming harmful effects of drugs, ensuring coastal cleanliness, and prevention of marine and environmental pollution. Relief distribution and medical camps were also held where experienced doctors provided free medical services and medicine. A tree plantation campaign was also carried out. As a result, the general public of Saint Martin’s Island has gained comprehensive knowledge on fire safety, disaster preparedness, anti-drug awareness, and environmental protection, which is expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the island.

The Coast Guard East Zone rescued a total of 42 fishermen from FB Malek Shah, FB Mayer Doa, and FB Raysa-1 boats, which were drifting in the rough sea due to engine failure, providing them with primary medical care and food before handing them over to the boat owners. In addition, to prevent illegal infiltration, human trafficking, smuggling, and drug trafficking from Myanmar through the Naf River and to ensure proper security, 24/7 patrol operations are ongoing using modern metal shark and defender class boats.

 Due to the fire incident on the anchored fishing boat “FB Shafik” near Shahpari Island jetty area, the fire was brought under control through the relentless efforts of the Coast Guard outpost Shahpari fire-fighting team. Due to unskilled and untrained watchmen, various unwanted incidents such as theft and robbery occur on commercial ships anchored offshore. In this regard, for the first time and at the request of the port authority, basic security training was provided to 74 port watchmen over a 5-day course to develop them as competent and responsible individuals.

Finally, on May 03, 2025, BCG Base Chattogram under the Coast Guard East Zone conducted a special operation in the Dogir Khal area under Halishahar Police Station of Chattogram district and seized 1056 cans of Heineken Original Beer and 1151 bottles of foreign liquor along with 20 liters of Twin Valley olive oil, worth about  Tk. 4 crore 15 lakh 13 thousand. 

A general diary (GD) was filed at the concerned police station for legal proceedings regarding the seized narcotics, which were then kept in the custody of BCG Base Chattogram. Subsequently, as per the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Chattogram (Memo No. 25/224 dated 13 May 2025), the seized 1056 cans of Heineken Original Beer, 1151 bottles of foreign liquor, and 20 liters of twin valley olive oil were destroyed on  Sunday in the presence of the Senior Judicial Magistrate.

Bangladesh Coast Guard remains vigilant in preventing smuggling at outer anchorages.

 Moreover, to stop petty thefts, and the illegal buying and selling on commercial ships, we have intensified 24/7 patrolling in coastal and riverine areas. As a result, the safety of lives and property in those areas has significantly improved. Public trust in the Coast Guard, especially among locals, businessmen, and commercial ship operators, has increased greatly compared to the past. 

To enrich the blue economy, the Bangladesh Coast Guard is maintaining constant surveillance in maritime, coastal, and riverine areas. These activities will continue in the future as well.