The Bangladesh Coast Guard has carried out a special operation to curb robbery and piracy in the coastal waters of Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali Upazila and Kutubdia Upazila. The day-long coordinated operation covered the adjoining sea areas.
The Coast Guard’s media officer, Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, confirmed the development on Friday afternoon.
According to him, reports had indicated a recent rise in robberies and pirate activities in the waters off Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali and Kutubdia. In response, authorities intensified 24-hour patrols in assigned zones along with strengthened intelligence operations and technology-based surveillance.
The Coast Guard stated that, in addition to deploying modern vessels and high-speed boats, it is using radar systems, Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF and HF communication systems, and GPS technology to monitor all types of watercraft and suspicious movements in the Naf River and surrounding maritime boundaries under its jurisdiction.
Over the past two months, multiple special operations have resulted in the arrest of 30 robbers and pirates, along with the seizure of four firearms, 17 locally made weapons and six rounds of live ammunition. In the same period, pirate groups rescued 32 fishermen alive and returned them to their families.
As part of the ongoing efforts, units from Coast Guard Base Chattogram, Coast Guard Ship Kutubdia, and BCG stations in Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali, Matarbari, Kutubdia and Shahpori conducted Friday’s coordinated operation to eliminate piracy and ensure the safety of fishermen engaged in fishing activities along the coast.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
