Bangladesh Coast Guard Expansion Gains Momentum with New Vessels, Drones and Surveillance Systems

Reading Time: < 1 minute The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) is moving ahead with a significant expansion and modernisation programme aimed at strengthening maritime security, search and rescue capabilities, and coastal surveillance. Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said procurement is currently underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and advanced surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. The new assets are expected to enhance the Coast Guard’s operational reach, particularly in sensitive coastal and riverine areas. He confirmed that 12 surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force have already been inducted into service, marking a major step forward in improving aerial monitoring and real-time intelligence collection along Bangladesh’s vast coastline. Looking ahead, the Home Adviser outlined further development plans, including the construction of one multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). These projects will be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and are