[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Coast Guard

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Source : https://coastguard.gov.bd/

বাংলাদেশ কোস্ট গার্ড

coastguard.gov.bd

Introduction of Bangladesh Coast Guard

Bangladesh Coast Guard has a good start to provide special assistance to the country's economic development by ensuring the proper use of the Coast Guard and the proper utilization of the resources of the rich Bangladesh sea resources. Development of the socio-economic system of the Bay of Bengal, the river-maternal river lies in the use of different rivers and large seas own land. Independence In the absence of proper marine law and order forces in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Navy was playing the role of Coast Guard in addition to its own responsibilities. As the responsibility of protecting the law and order in the civil administration is not covered by the Bangladesh Navy, the necessity of establishing a separate marine law and order for the purpose of ensuring proper utilization of sea resources, including the security of the life of the coastal areas, is necessary. As a result, Bangladesh Coast Guard was formed by passing the "Coast Guard Act 1994" in the great parliament, and on 14th February 1995 Bangladesh Coast Guard started its journey as a semi-military force.

To reach the establishment, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has been working with utmost devotion and reliance on the coastal areas, coastal areas and various rivers in the country. In the later times, the coast guard of Bangladesh has become a symbol of trust and dependence in the coastal region.

Over 90 percent of the total trade in Bangladesh is imported and exported on the sea route. Any impediment to this import export can stop the country's economy. Therefore, there is no alternative to the coastguard's active role to ensure the flow of all types of domestic and foreign ships used for export and flow of rivers and sea by sea and sea. The requirement of Bangladesh Coast Guard to uphold all the rights of the EEZ up to 200 nautical miles, essential to the 12 nautical miles from the seashore and according to the national norms, is essential. The main occupation of the people living in coastal areas of this country and about 30 percent of the revenues are dependent on marine fisheries. Besides, the Bay of Bengal is rich in natural gas, oil and many other unexplored mineral resources. Coast Guard has an important role to play in protecting these fisheries and mineral resources. Due to geographical location and long coastal areas of 710 KM, smuggling is more in sea and river routes. The coast guards have a very important role in controlling these obstacles. Besides, security of foreign and domestic ships coming to Chittagong and Mongla sea ports in the country, the coast guards have been playing an important role in the economic development of the country by providing security to tourists, mangals, shrimp farmers, middlemen and other people of the vast Sunderbans. Bangladesh Coast Guard has been welcomed by the Coast Guard, participating in the overall assistance of the coastal people in the storm surge, tsunami, tsunami and disaster weather and participated in relief and rescue operation. So, the Coast Guard's contribution to national and economic development is immense.

Background​

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Before the formation of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, after the independence of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Navy was responsible for all the defense responsibilities of the sea. With the increase of economic activity over time, the importance of the sea continued to increase and along with the navy's own responsibilities, it is difficult to perform additional responsibilities in the coastal areas. In continuation of this, the Coast Guard Act 1994 was passed in the 1994 Great Jubilee in September 1994 and "GUARDIAN AT SEA" was formed in this fundamental point of view, Bangladesh Coast Guard was formed. In the continuation of the development of the coast guard, the Coast Guard Act-2016 has passed the great parliament on the last 13 March 2016. Bangladesh Coast Guard is currently performing the duties of law and order, smuggling, illegal fisheries and piracy.​

Today’s Bangladesh Coast Guard is a unique force that carries out an array of civil and military responsibilities touching almost every facet of the Bangladesh maritime environment. During from up of Bangladesh Coast Guard, following officers were the pioneer:

1. Commodore Shafiq-Ur-Rahman, (N),ncc, psc, BN - (Director General).
2. Captain N A Choudhury, (G), psc, BN - (Director, Ops & Tech).
3. Commander K M Hassan, (C), psc, BN - (DD, East Zone).
4. Commander S A M A Abedin, (E), psc, BN - (DD, Ops & Tech).
5. Commander M R Hussain, (N), BN - (DD, West Zone).

Aim and Purpose​

Over 90% of Bangladesh exports and imports are carried out through two sea ports at Chittagong and Mongla. Sea-lines of communication to these two sea ports are the life lines of our economy. UNCLOS 1982 has made provision for sovereign rights for exploration and exploitation of living and nonliving resources in the EEZ. Fishery sector contributes an important part of national export. Besides, huge living and nonliving resources and deposited in our sea area. Apart from these, a vast number of ships and craft of various types and sizes operate at sea for trade, commerce, fishing, research, exploration and extraction of oil, gas and minerals and so on. To exercise effective control, to ensure safety and security and protect national and international maritime interest at sea , all these diverse activities are brought under various National and International laws and acts.

Mission:

Control piracy, illegal trafficking, protect fishery, oil, gas, forest resources and environmental pollution in Bangladesh waters and coastal areas. Ensure overall security and law and order through security assistance to seaports, conduct relief and rescue operation in the coastal areas during a natural calamity

Primary Role:

1. Preserve national interest at sea
2. Fishery protection
3. Prevent illegal immigration through the sea
4. Pollution control
5. Piracy control
6. Prevent smuggling, trafficking of illegal arms, drugs and narcotics
7. Disaster relief operations
8. Search and rescue operations
9. Preservation of forest
10. Surveillance over the sea areas of Bangladesh
11. Carry out any other duty assigned by the government

Secondary Role:

Assist Bangladesh Navy during war.

 

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Some BCG Pics.

 

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The Bangladesh Coast Guard needs to stay alert to the possibility of Myanmar Junta's misadventure at the maritime border.

 

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A video on Bangladesh Coast Guard

 

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Bangladesh Coast Guard to be transformed into a three-dimensional force: PM

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Bangladesh Coast Guard to be transformed into a three-dimensional force: PM​

10 Mar 2024, 2:04 pm

UNB, Dhaka:

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the government will transform the Bangladesh Coast Guard into a three-dimensional force by inducting new technology and modern equipment.

“We have already given in-principle approval for the formation of an Aviation Wing with the purchase of two helicopters which will make the Coast Guard a three-dimensional force,” she said.

The prime minister said this while addressing the 29th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Coast Guard at the BCG headquarters at Agargaon in the city.

She said the government has recently approved a new project to build nine replacement ships for the Coast Guard.

Besides, she said, approval was given for the procurement of four more OPVs (Offshore Patrol Vessels), two maritime version helicopters for deep sea patrolling by the Coast Guard for the safety of the public engaged in sea-based professions and waterways.

“To modernise and strengthen the Bangladesh Coast Guard, advanced technology ships, maritime surveillance systems, hovercrafts and high-speed boats are going to be added to this force very soon,” she said.

The prime minister expressed her optimism that through the addition of all these ships with modern technology and the development of communication systems, this force will acquire more capabilities to face the challenges of the 21st century and will play a significant role in building a smart Bangladesh.

In addition, she said, plans have been adopted to increase the current strength to 15,000 manpower gradually as per Vision 2030 and Vision 2041 to modernise the force to provide blue economy and security at sea.

“To build Smart Bangladesh I believe that this force will play a special role,” she said.

Hasina said a dockyard was also being built at Gazaria in Munshiganj for the construction, repair and maintenance of the force’s vessels and ships.

She mentioned that some 16 vessels, including four OPVs, and 138 boats have been inducted in the BCG fleet.

Stating that the Awami League government has always been directly involved in the formation and development of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, she said it had emerged as a force in the context of a bill brought by AL in the Jatiya Sangsad in 1994 as the then opposition party.

After assuming power in 1996, the AL government took a massive initiative in expanding the Coast Guard’s activities in the country’s coastal areas by providing land for its various zones, and different types of vessels and building infrastructure, she said.

Since 2009, various infrastructure including coastal crisis management centres, accommodation of officers and sailors of bases, officers’ messes, sailors’ quarters and administrative buildings have been constructed at coast guard stations and outposts in coastal and remote areas of the country, she added.

Recalling the initiative of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina said Bangabandhu framed “The Territorial Waters and Maritime Zone Act” in 1974 to establish citizen’s legal rights over the sea and marine resources.

She said that even the United Nations (UN) formulated such a law in 1982.

Until adoption of the law by the UN, the cases, not only in the region but also in Europe and other places across the globe, would have been settled following the law enacted by Bangabandhu, she said.

The prime minister said her government has established the country’s rights on a vast maritime area after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar while maintaining friendly relations.

She also reiterated her vow to transform Bangladesh into a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh by 2041.

Hasina also inaugurated the Bangladesh Coast Guard Vsatnet Communication System and newly constructed six physical infrastructures at the BCG stations at Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Mirsarai, Sandwip, Nidraskina and Shahpari Outpost.

The PM also conferred 10 Bangladesh Coast Guard Medals, 10 Bangladesh Coast Guard (Service) Medals, 10 President Coast Guard Medals and 10 President Coast Guard (Service) Medals to at least 40 BCG officers, sailors and civilians for their bravery.

The theme of this year’s founding anniversary is “Smart Bangladesh, Smart Coast Guard”.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Public Security Division Secretary of the Home Ministry Md Mustafizur Rahman and BCG Director General Rear Admiral Mir Ershad Ali were present at the function.

At the outset of the programme, a smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Coast Guard also gave a state salute to the prime minister.

A short documentary on the Coast Guard Vsatnet System was screened. Later, the prime minister enjoyed a cultural programme.​

 

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Bangladesh Coast Guard is going to be a three dimensional force.

 

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Measures against piracy on high seas

Regardless of what the official line may be, the MV Abdullah hijacking incident has been widely reported internationally and the conclusion is that a US$ 5.0 million ransom had been paid for the safe release of the crew and the ship. Notwithstanding the horrifying trauma experienced by all those on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Measures against piracy on high seas
SYED MANSUR HASHIM
Published :
Apr 16, 2024 21:42
Updated :
Apr 16, 2024 21:42

Regardless of what the official line may be, the MV Abdullah hijacking incident has been widely reported internationally and the conclusion is that a US$ 5.0 million ransom had been paid for the safe release of the crew and the ship. Notwithstanding the horrifying trauma experienced by all those on board the ship, one wonders what has been achieved by making denials to the contrary that a king's ransom has been paid to the pirates. The Somali pirates have been very successful over the decades to take full advantage of taking hostage ships belonging to those countries that do not have their own naval forces to protect them or are perceived to be easier prey.

Reportedly, the pirates held up their part of the bargain on release of both ship and crew on payment of the stated sum of money on successful completion of negotiations. While the owners of the vessels remain mum on the issue and an official statement by the minister of the ministry concerned categorically denied having paid anything, such denials will have little impact either on Somali pirates or continued danger of future hijacking of Bangladeshi vessels.

Bangladeshi merchant ship owners and the country would really benefit if arrangements were made to beef up security on ships as a deterrence to hijacking. That time has arrived and merely attempting to brush the incident under the carpet stating that what was in the aftermath of the hijacking was some slick camerawork and editing to make the country look bad, is akin to sticking one's head in the sand hoping the danger will pass. Rather, it is time to take proactive measures to make our ships much tougher to hijack in the first place - a move like that would safeguard the nation's maritime interests more constructively.

There are several ways to do this. One would be to make arrangements with friendly nations that do have military assets in the area, i.e. naval presence including ships, helicopters, marines that are part of the international rapid response team specifically deployed to counter Somali pirates. That would require bilateral / multilateral arrangements between or among states. While this is an arrangement that works some of the time, the ocean being vast and different vessels belonging to various nations ply the seas on different sea routes, it is difficult to provide blanket security to individual vessels.

Some merchant ship companies have taken things into their own hands. Sea-going vessels have been retrofitted with defensive kits to make it overly difficult for pirates to throw grappling hooks onboard so they can climb onboard. There are now specialized companies that will install all sorts of equipment ranging from non-lethal high-powered water jets to physically deter people from boarding, to physical barriers that will make it that much harder for any unauthorised personnel from climbing on board.

The third option has proven to be the most effective, i.e. having armed personnel on board with machine guns. Now, Bangladesh has its own armed forces whose members can be retrained to face such crises on the high seas. Small teams can be made available for deployment on merchant ships. Naturally this will entail a cost for maintenance of personnel and their upkeep. But the cost will be a pittance when compared to the ransom demanded by pirates. This option should definitely be explored by both policymakers and the merchant companies because at the end of the day, it makes sense for Bangladesh to use its own resources to defend the sea lanes on which it is heavily dependent for trade and commerce.​

 

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Corruption has run deep into society: Home Advisor

Corruption has spread into every spehre of society, says Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. During a meeting with senior officials and sailors at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Monday, he called for increased efforts to combat the smuggling of fertiliser and Hilsa

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Corruption has run deep into society: Home Advisor
Published :
Sep 16, 2024 19:42
Updated :
Sep 16, 2024 19:42

Corruption has spread into every spehre of society, says Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

During a meeting with senior officials and sailors at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Monday, he called for increased efforts to combat the smuggling of fertiliser and Hilsa fish.

Advisor Jahangir urged the coastguards to uphold their anti-corruption stance, preserve their heritage and honour, and ensure transparency in the procurement of arms and other supplies, reports bdnews24.com.

He added that the interim government is not exporting Hilsa fish to India this year due to domestic needs and the ongoing dollar crisis.

Despite the ongoing dollar shortage, the caretaker administration has ensured a steady supply of fertiliser through imports, he added.

The advisor highlighted the risk of smuggling Hilsa fish and fertiliser across borders and stressed that the Coast Guard’s primary responsibility is to focus on halting such smuggling activities via sea and waterways.

Jahangir expressed gratitude to the coastguards, praising them for maintaining high ethical standards and performing their duties effectively, in contrast to other law-enforcing agencies facing moral decline.​

 

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'ভুলবশত মিয়ানমার জলসীমায় প্রবেশ করায় গুলি'​

 

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‘We had no idea that we would be trapped’

Captain of FV Layla-2, which was captured with the crew, on Dec 9 by Indian coast guard recounts the ordeal

www.thedailystar.net

‘We had no idea that we would be trapped’
Captain of FV Layla-2, which was captured with the crew, on Dec 9 by Indian coast guard recounts the ordeal

Photo: Rajib Raihan

"After two hours of thorough search, the Indian Coast Guard members got off our trawler and allowed us to go. Around half an hour later, they again called us back saying they left some devices on our boat. We went to them in good faith. We had no idea that we would be trapped."

Rajib Chandra Shil, captain of FV Layla-2 -one of the two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers that were detained by the Indian Coast Guard last month, was recounting the ordeal to the Daily Star this morning

The Bangladesh Coast Guard today handed over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen and sailors to their families at a Coast Guard Jetty at Patenga.

The crewmen, detained by Indian Cost Guards on December 9, were handed over to Bangladesh Coast Guard by Indian authorities during a prison exchange programme on January 5 and brought to Chattogram last night.

After weeks of anxious wait, the family members finally reunited with the crew. Some couldn't hold back tears of joy.

On December 9 last year, the Indian Coast Guard detained the two trawlers FV Layla-2 and FV Meghna-5 along with 78 fishermen and sailors for alleged unauthorised fishing in Indian waters and took them to Paradip port in Odisha of India.

Rajib said a patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard asked them to halt around 7:00am that day when they were fishing in Bangladesh waters at the Swatch of No Ground (SoNG), around 30 km from the Dublar Char Islands in the Sundarbans.

"In the vast sea, there is no clear boundary line. We were very close to Bangladesh maritime boundary, "Rajib said.

He, however, said that while fishing in that region, trawlers sometimes mistakenly cross the boundary due to strong currents.

Then the Indians got on board his trawler and carried out a thorough search for around two hours and allowed them to go, said the captain.

The Indians then searched another trawler nearby, FV Megna-5.

"Around half an hour later, they directed an officer of Mghna-5 to call us back, saying that they left some devices here during the search. They also assured us that they would let us go after that," Rajib said, adding that they obeyed the order.

When they reached there, they were captured.

After taking them to Paradip port, the Indian Maritime Police checked them at its office and later allowed them to go back to the trawlers.

"They said no cases will be filed against us," Rajib recalled.

Since then, several officials of the Indian Coast Guard kept telling them that they would be released only after the Bangladesh authority freed 95 Indian fishermen detained here in Bangladesh, claimed the captain.

Earlier in October last year, the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy separately detained six Indian fishing trawlers with those 95 Indian fishermen for fishing illegally in Bangladeshi waters.

On September 12, Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 Bangladeshi fishermen after their fishing boat FV Koushik capsized near the Bangladesh-India International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), according to an official of Bangladesh Coast Guard. The 12 were detained and taken to Haldia Port in Kolkata.

Bangladesh Coast Guard East Zone Zonal Commander Captain Zahirul Hoque told the journalists yesterday that the exchange of detained fishermen and crew were done as part of a bilateral agreement between the two countries.

The 95 Indian fishermen and six boats were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard under the supervision of the Bangladesh Coast Guard at the IMBL, he said.

Simultaneously, India handed over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen and two fishing boats, he added.

A Coast Guard patrol boat escorted the two fishing trawlers from Khulna to Chattogram last night and the fishermen and crew were handed over to their families through police this morning, he informed.​

 

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US Coast Guard partners with Bangladesh to improve port security

US Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a Country Assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping last week, said a spokesman of the US Embassy on Thursday. “During this Country Assessment, the US Coast Guard worked directly with the Departmen

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US Coast Guard partners with Bangladesh to improve port security
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jan 30, 2025 17:50
Updated :
Jan 30, 2025 17:50

US Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a Country Assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping last week, said a spokesman of the US Embassy on Thursday.

“During this Country Assessment, the US Coast Guard worked directly with the Department of Shipping in a bilateral exchange of port security information and sharing of best practices. We thank the Department of Shipping for this opportunity to continue these discussions between our governments to improve port security measures in our respective countries and learn more about Bangladesh’s implementation of the ISPS Code. The knowledge gained from this assessment will be used by ports around the country to enhance their port security programs, thus enhancing the security of the worldwide maritime transportation system. We believe these port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit,” said Head of Delegation Lieutenant Commander Nagy.

The US Coast Guard is committed to maintaining partnerships worldwide to improve US safety and security, offering a reciprocal port security programme for foreign government officials.​

 

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US and Bangladesh collaborate on port security

The United States has said port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit. US Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a country assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping from January 20 to 23. During this country assessment, th

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US and Bangladesh collaborate on port security
UNB
Published :
Jan 31, 2025 20:00
Updated :
Jan 31, 2025 20:00

The United States has said port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit.

US Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a country assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping from January 20 to 23.

During this country assessment, the US Coast Guard worked directly with the Department of Shipping in a bilateral exchange of port security information and sharing of best practices.

“The knowledge gained from this assessment will be used by ports around the country to enhance their port security programs, thus enhancing the security of the worldwide maritime transportation system. We believe these port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit,” said head of the US delegation Lieutenant Commander Nagy.

The head of delegation thanked the Department of Shipping for this opportunity to continue these discussions between the two governments to improve port security measures in their respective countries and learn more about Bangladesh’s implementation of the ISPS Code.

The maritime transportation system is the backbone of international trade and the global economy, according to the US Embassy in Dhaka.

To establish a comprehensive approach to maritime security, the International Maritime Organization and its member states developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the only internationally accepted blueprint for the implementation of maritime security measures.

The US Coast Guard’s IPS Program was established in 2003 to reinforce implementation of the ISPS Code to better understand maritime security measures worldwide.

Committed to port security and working with maritime trading partners, IPS Program delegations request to visit partner countries triennially to meet with officials responsible for the oversight of port security and observe the implementation of the ISPS Code within the country’s ports.

The US Coast Guard, the US Embassy said, is committed to maintaining partnerships worldwide to improve US safety and security, offering a reciprocal port security program for foreign government officials.​