Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) Dhaka Zone seized 27 weapons, ammunition, drugs, and 156 tons of jatka (juvenile ilish) from January to April, according to Zonal Commander Md Imtiaz Hossain at a press briefing on Thursday at Coast Guard Headquarters, Agargaon.
“We seized 26 locally-made weapons, a foreign pistol, a pistol magazine, five rounds of live ammunition, 25 yaba pills, and 6.5 kilograms of cannabis through intelligence and patrols,” Imtiaz said.
Additionally, authorities arrested 12 teen gang members, four extortionists, three muggers, and one miscreant in crackdowns across Dhaka’s waterways, patrolled using two ships and 23 high-speed boats.
As part of "Jatka Protection Operation 2024," a special combing operation led to the seizure of 156,530kg of jatka, illegal fishing nets, 44 boats, and 5 trawlers.
To combat illegal sand extraction, the Coast Guard confiscated 47 bulkheads, 12 dredgers, and 2 excavators in targeted operations.
BCG Dhaka Zone recovered 10 dead bodies and rescued two individuals alive in joint and independent rescue operations.
Diving teams remain on standby at BCG Station Pagla and BCG Station Chandpur to respond to waterway accidents.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard provided free healthcare and essential medicines to 1,647 underserved people in remote char areas through regular medical camps.
Night patrols from Manik Mia Avenue to Mirpur-10 have curbed extortion, theft, and hijacking.
During Ramadan, 1,257 lighter and cargo vessels were inspected to prevent the hoarding of essential goods.
Before Eid-ul-Fitr, enhanced patrols were conducted at launch and ferry terminals to ensure passenger safety.
“The Coast Guard remains committed to protecting lives, property, and national interests,” said Imtiaz, emphasizing that operations will continue to safeguard Bangladesh’s waterways, coastal zones, and trade routes.
