Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested 16 suspected pirates, recovered stolen goods during Chattogram Port outer anchorage raid Wednesday night. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, July 23, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested 16 suspected pirates and recovered goods allegedly stolen from commercial vessels during a raid at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port.

The operation was carried out on Wednesday night by the Coast Guard ship Shyamol Bangla based on confidential information, Lieutenant Commander Suman Al Mukit, Media Officer of the Coast Guard Eastern Zone said today.

According to the Coast Guard, personnel intercepted and searched a suspicious lifeboat in the outer anchorage, recovering 1,020 kilograms of scrap metal, wire mesh and two gas cylinders believed to have been stolen from a commercial vessel. Sixteen people were detained during the operation.

The arrests come after three foreign commercial ships were reportedly targeted by pirates in the outer anchorage in recent days, raising concerns over maritime security.

On Wednesday, the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) urged the Shipping Ministry to take immediate steps to curb piracy and improve security in the area.

The Coast Guard said legal action would be taken against those arrested, as well as over the seized stolen goods and the boat allegedly used in the smuggling operation.