Dhaka: Three-day 6th Coordinated Patrol ‘CORPAT’ and the 4th bilateral exercise ‘Bongosagor’ began today in the designated area of Bangladesh and Indian maritime borders in the Bay of Bengal with the participation of naval ships of the two countries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this joint patrol and exercise under the supervision of Commander Flotilla West will continue till March 12, 2025, as stated by a release from the Directorate of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) this afternoon. The Bangladesh Navy warship BNS ABU UBAIDAH and a Maritime Patrol Aircraft are participating in this joint patrol and exercise, while the Indian Navy’s warship INS Ranvir and a helicopter are also part of the operations.
Since 2018, this joint patrol and exercise have been conducted with the aim of eliminating criminal activities including illegal fishing, smuggling, human trafficking, piracy, and drug abuse in the designated maritime areas of the two countries, the ISPR noted. Through this initiative, Bangladesh and India will exchange information related to maritime crimes in their respective water bodies, manage information effectively, and identify ships conducting illegal activities at sea.
The operation is expected to enhance regional maritime security, address maritime security risks, and contribute to the development of the maritime economy, according to the release.