The Bangladesh Coast Guard was officially formed in 14 February 1995 following the introduction of the Coast Guard Act (1994) on September 1994 in the national parliament. Subsequently after its creation this maritime protection agency started its operations in December 1995.

Its primary mission is to enforce national and international laws in order to protection Bangladesh’s offshore resources, merchant vessels and counter piracy. The Coast Guard executes these missions in coordination with other maritime security agencies such as the Bangladesh Navy. It also assists the Customs, Department of anti-Narcotics, Ministry of Energy, Shipping, Fisheries, Forestry, Relief and Rehabilitation to implement their laws and acts.

The present manpower strength of the Bangladesh Coast Guard is estimated to be more than 1,000 personnel. Its personnel also operate a number of large and small patrol craft including 9 coastal patrol vessels, 5 riverine patrol craft, 1 High Speed Boat Large, 1 High Speed Boat Small and 5 high-speed Defender Class interdiction craft. Further patrol craft, maritime patrol aircraft and SAR helicopters will be inducted in due course.

Similar to the Bangladesh Rifles, the Bangladesh Coast Guard is commanded by a Director General deputed from the Bangladesh Navy. The present commander of the force is Commodore A S M A Abedin (E), psc, BN.