Coast Guard will celebrate its 31st anniversary on Tuesday at its headquarters in Agargaon.
Media Officer of Coast Guard Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Suzan confirmed the matter through a press release on Monday.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will attend the ceremony as the chief guest, alongside other high-ranking military and civil officials. During the event, he will award medals to 14 personnel for their heroism and courageous service.
These accolades include four Bangladesh Coast Guard Medals, four Bangladesh Coast Guard (Service) Medals, three President Coast Guard Medals, and three President Coast Guard (Service) Medals.
The legal foundation for the force was laid in 1994 by the then prime minister Khaleda Zia, who recognised the necessity of securing the nation’s vast coastal regions. Through her leadership, the force was established on 14 February 1995 and formally inaugurated on 19 December 1995.
For nearly three decades, the force has served as a symbol of security and trust for coastal and riverine populations through patriotism, dedication, and professionalism.
Currently divided into four zones, the force operates through 63 stations/outposts, 28 ships, and 138 fast boats to ensure security across the country’s sea areas and the coastal regions of 21 districts.
Its responsibilities encompass fisheries conservation, port security, protection of mangrove forests, and the prevention of drug smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy. As part of its efforts to preserve fishery resources, the Coast Guard seized illegal nets and jatka worth Tk20,152 crore in the past year.
This operation protected approximately 120.91 crore kg of fish, with an estimated market value of Tk60,458 crore. In recognition of this success, the Coast Guard has been awarded the Fisheries Medal (Silver) for the second time.
The active presence of the Coast Guard at Chittagong Port and other maritime gateways has accelerated port activities and improved international ratings.
Moreover, the force became the first and only organisation in the history of Bangladesh to receive a Letter of Commendation from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for its bravery in controlling fires at outer anchorages. Its training base, “Agrajatra”, has also achieved ISO certification.
The force has established strong international ties, signing bilateral agreements with Australia, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
In the past year, the Coast Guard conducted 55,841 operations, resulting in the seizure of 249 illegal firearms and 6,802 rounds of ammunition, alongside the arrest of 590 miscreants.
Additionally, 670 drug traffickers were arrested and drugs worth Tk295 crore were seized. The force also confiscated illegal goods worth Tk215 crore and 276 dredgers and bulkheads, depositing over Tk4 crore in fines into the state treasury.
During these operations, 1,622 individuals were rescued alive, and the safe return of Bangladeshi fishermen from neighbouring countries was ensured.
Under the direct instructions of the current government, the force is conducting two specific operations in the Sundarbans: “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.”
Coast Guard also continues its drive against the illegal hoarding of fuel oil and smuggling. Coastal residents and tourists can access rapid assistance through the emergency service number 16111.
