Cox’s Bazar, Sept 16 (V7N) – The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has revealed that numerous Bangladeshi boats are crossing maritime boundaries and “mysteriously” entering Myanmar, raising concerns over border security and transnational smuggling.
 
At a press conference held Monday at BGB’s conference center near Cox’s Bazar sea beach, Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed said surveillance using radar, drones, night-vision devices, and advanced digital tools has detected repeated crossings by local boats into Myanmar territory.
 
BGB intelligence indicates that Naf River routes and coastal stretches of Maheshkhali, Kutubdia, Banshkhali, Anwara, and Kuakata have become the two primary channels for drug trafficking. Authorities estimate that nearly 80 percent of narcotics smuggling into Bangladesh takes place via these maritime corridors, with digital footprints confirming the movement of contraband. Drugs entering through these routes not only spread within Bangladesh but are also trafficked to other countries, creating what officials describe as a grave threat to the country’s youth and economy.
 
Between July 15 and September 15, BGB operations led to the seizure of more than 28 lakh yaba tablets, nearly one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), and narcotics worth over Tk 88 crores'. During the same period, 22 firearms and ammunition were confiscated and five suspects arrested. BGB officials stated that the weapons originated from Myanmar and were linked to the Arakan Army, which has expanded involvement in arms and narcotics trafficking after consolidating control in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
 
The press conference also disclosed that since December, 228 Bangladeshi fishermen have been captured at sea by the Arakan Army. Of them, 124 were returned following BGB efforts, but 104 fishermen and 12 trawlers remain in the group’s custody, including 95 Bangladeshis and 133 Rohingya. Colonel Ahmed explained that while official communication with the Arakan Army is not possible, BGB is pursuing indirect channels to secure their release.
 
He clarified that the detained fishermen had crossed into Myanmar waters before being apprehended, stressing that no group has dared to enter Bangladesh’s sovereign waters to seize fishermen.
 
Despite limited capacity to conduct direct maritime operations, BGB said it continues to provide intelligence and digital data to the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard to help intercept drug shipments at sea. Alongside patrols and raids, awareness programs are being carried out in border villages, including leaflet distribution, loudspeaker campaigns, and community meetings to discourage fishermen from crossing boundaries. The force is also engaged in humanitarian outreach, including medical support, financial aid for mine victims, and sports initiatives to keep youth away from drugs.
 
Security analysts view these efforts as vital, noting that coordinated action between BGB, the Navy, and Coast Guard remains critical in countering the twin threats of narcotics and arms trafficking. They stress that without regional cooperation, Bangladesh will continue to face challenges stemming from instability in neighboring Myanmar.
 
Commanders of various BGB battalions under Ramu Sector were also present at the briefing. 
 
END/SIU/SMA/