The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched a special operation in the sea areas adjoining Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali and Kutubdia to prevent pirate and robber activity and ensure the safety of fishing boats and commercial vessels.
The daylong operation was conducted on Monday, with patrols and surveillance intensified across the coastal waters.
Lieutenant Commander Arafat Hossain, executive officer of Coast Guard Base Cox’s Bazar, briefed reporters about the operation at noon.
The Coast Guard said it regularly conducts operations in coastal and riverine areas to maintain security and law and order and prevent drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery and piracy.
The latest operation comes amid concerns over possible attacks by pirates and robber groups on commercial vessels and fishing boats operating in the sea areas around Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali and Kutubdia.
The force has intensified intelligence gathering and technology-based surveillance to prevent such attacks and identify those involved, officials said.
The operation uses modern vessels and high-speed speedboats, along with advanced radar systems, improved communication equipment, and GPS technology.
These systems are being used to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of vessels operating in coastal and maritime areas and to detect suspicious movements.
According to the Coast Guard, personnel from Coast Guard Base Chattogram, Coast Guard ship Sabuj Bangla and stations in Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali, Matarbari and Kutubdia jointly conducted the operation in their respective areas of responsibility on Monday.
Patrols were also strengthened to protect fishermen and commercial vessels from possible attacks by pirates and robbers.
The Coast Guard said such operations would continue to keep the country’s maritime, riverine and coastal areas free from piracy and robbery.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
