Coast Guard West Zone has seized 824 kilograms of deer meat, recovered 600 traps and arrested 29 poachers during wildlife and environmental protection drives in the Sundarbans in 2025.
During the period between January and December, Coast Guard has also seized more than 1,400 pieces of gewa and garan timber, two geckos, 62 turtles and 3,400 kilograms of polythene.
West Zone Commander Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam disclosed the information at a press briefing on December 29.
During the operations, the authorities concerned seized over 120 crore metres of illegal fishing nets worth approximately Tk 1,473 crore, along with shrimp fry valued at Tk 120 crore and 14,000 kilograms of jelly-injected shrimp.
In separate operations, the Coast Guard recovered 38 firearms, two hand grenades, 74 locally-made weapons, a large quantity of weapon-making materials, and 448 rounds of ammunition. A total of 49 pirates were arrested, and 52 hostages—both men and women—were rescued and handed over to police.
As part of anti-narcotics drives, the Coast Guard seized 5,674 yaba tablets, 13 kilograms of cannabis, and 1,256 bottles of foreign liquor and beer, arresting 51 drug traffickers who were later handed over to law enforcement agencies.
Captain Mesbaul Islam said the Coast Guard West Zone has also provided medical services and free medicines to more than 2,000 underprivileged people, including women and children, in coastal areas this year.
Additionally, the Coast Guard West Zone Family Welfare Association distributed winter clothes among over 500 destitute and cold-affected people.
Awareness programmes were conducted for students, fishermen, boatmen, professionals, and local residents on environmental protection, wildlife conservation, disaster response, fire safety, and drug prevention.
Regarding the upcoming national parliamentary elections, the commander said that preparatory activities have already begun to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. The data are being collected in coastal areas, and Coast Guard members are receiving election-related training.
He added that the Coast Guard provides riverine security during visits of local and foreign dignitaries and conducts regular patrols to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the Sundarbans, including enforcing the use of life jackets and preventing overcrowding on tourist vessels.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard continues to conduct joint operations with the Navy, Rapid Action Battalion, police, Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, and other maritime agencies to maintain law and order and ensure coastal security.
According to Coast Guard sources, since its inception they have played a vital role in coastal and riverine security, preventing smuggling, protecting forest and fishery resources, and providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.
Through sustained efforts in biodiversity conservation, suppression of piracy, and protection of fishermen, the Coast Guard West Zone has earned public trust and remains committed to safeguarding the country’s southwestern coastal and riverine regions.
