Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, Dec 29, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has intensified security patrols in the Sundarbans and southwestern coastal areas ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliament elections.

West Zone Commander Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam in a news briefing said election-focused preparations and training are underway to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polls. Joint operations with the Navy, Police, RAB, and other agencies continue to enhance coastal security, tourist safety, and public confidence in the region.

He continued that the coast guard continues to play a vital role in maintaining law and order, preventing smuggling, conserving forest and fisheries resources, and providing humanitarian assistance.

Islam said from January to December 2025, Coast Guard operations led to the recovery of 38 firearms, 2 hand bombs, 74 indigenous weapons, 448 rounds of ammunition, and the rescue of 52 hostages. A total of 49 forest robbers and 51 drug dealers were arrested, along with the seizure of yaba, marijuana, and foreign liquor.

Wildlife protection operation resulted in the seizure of 600 deer traps, 824 kg of deer meat, illegal timber, turtles, and polythene, and the arrest of 29 poachers. Anti-illegal fishing operations seized vast quantities of banned nets and illegally caught shrimp worth thousands of crores of taka.

The coast guard also provided medical services to over 2,000 coastal residents and distributed winter clothes to 500 needy people. Public awareness programmes on environmental protection, disaster response, and anti-drug campaigns were conducted across coastal communities.