Dhaka:Bangladesh's extensive 47,203-square-kilometer shoreline is set to undergo enhanced surveillance as the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) plans to deploy drones and fast-moving vessels to curb marine crimes. This initiative aims to integrate advanced technology to monitor the southern coastlines, including seaports, vital shipping routes, and communities across the country's 19 coastal districts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan of the BCG stated that the integration of drones, modern patrol vessels, and advanced communication systems is creating new opportunities for coastal security. He highlighted the challenges faced by the force in conducting round-the-clock surveillance of the extensive coastline and remote maritime areas, which remain difficult through conventional means.
The BCG spokesperson noted that piracy, forest banditry, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illicit activities present significant challenges. He explained that adverse weather and rough seas often complicate operations, prompting the need for a technology-based surveillance system. In April 2026, the force added three surveillance drones and a ground control station, while construction of a multipurpose response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels is underway with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Coast Guard also plans to procure helicopters, aiming to develop an integrated maritime surveillance system. The use of drones is expected to enhance monitoring capabilities by tracking vessel movements and identifying potential threats, facilitating rapid data transmission for timely responses by patrol vessels and coastal stations.
Commodore (retd) Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD), emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard, and other government agencies. He proposed the establishment of a separate ministry for maritime affairs and a coordination committee to ensure effective maritime security and resource protection.
Misbah Uddin Ahmad highlighted the importance of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in understanding activities at sea, which is crucial for combating piracy, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. Effective maritime surveillance, he stressed, requires skilled personnel, regular maintenance of equipment, and reliable communication for swift responses to threats.