Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Bangladesh Coast Guard into a modern and three-dimensional force of maritime security and development. With its extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh holds substantial strategic importance in the region. In light of this, the need for a strong and technologically advanced Coast Guard cannot be overstated.
This visionary plan aims to equip the Bangladesh Coast Guard with state-of-the-art technology, enhance infrastructure, and develop manpower capabilities. The transformation is set to revolutionize the way maritime security is ensured in the country and will have far-reaching implications for national development. By bolstering the capabilities of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Prime Minister Hasina intends to establish a formidable force that can effectively safeguard the nation’s valuable resources and protect its maritime borders.
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Having a modern coast guard equipped with cutting-edge technology will not only enhance maritime security but also contribute to sustainable economic growth. The transformed Bangladesh Coast Guard will play a crucial role in facilitating trade, supporting offshore resource exploration activities, and safeguarding marine ecosystems.
History of Bangladesh Coast Guard
The Bangladesh Coast Guard, a paramilitary force under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, came into being on February 14, 1995. The BCG has played a crucial role in combating maritime crimes, including smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking. Despite commendable efforts, the Coast Guard has faced challenges due to limited resources and outdated equipment.
The force started operational activities with two patrolcraft received from the Bangladesh Navy. The Bangladesh Coast Guard performs the duty of maritime border security of Bangladesh. Over the years, the force has grown to include 1,282 personnel and 57 ships.
Current State of the Bangladesh Coast Guard
The Bangladesh Coast Guard plays a vital role in ensuring maritime security and protecting the country’s valuable resources along its extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal. However, it faces several challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities effectively.
- Limited Fleet: The current fleet of the Bangladesh Coast Guard consists of a range of vessels with varying capabilities. While these vessels have served their purpose, they lack the modern technologies and advanced equipment necessary for efficient patrolling and response operations.
- Inadequate Surveillance: The existing surveillance capabilities of the Coast Guard are limited, leading to gaps in monitoring vast sea areas. This poses a challenge in effectively identifying and countering maritime threats such as illegal fishing, smuggling, and piracy.
- Lack of Aerial Support: The absence of an aviation wing equipped with helicopters hampers aerial surveillance, search and rescue missions, and interagency coordination. This limits the Coast Guard’s ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and enforce maritime laws effectively.
- Vulnerability to Transnational Crimes: Bangladesh’s coastline is vulnerable to transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and arms smuggling. The current state of the Coast Guard makes it challenging to tackle these illicit activities effectively.
- Resource Exploitation Concerns: The country’s marine resources, including fisheries and offshore energy reserves, face risks from illegal exploitation due to inadequate patrolling and surveillance capabilities. This jeopardizes both the economic potential and environmental sustainability of these resources.
- Safety of Maritime Trade: As a major hub for international trade, ensuring the safety and security of shipping routes is crucial for Bangladesh’s economy. However, the limited capabilities of the Coast Guard pose challenges in preventing piracy and other threats to maritime trade.
Why a Coast Guard Expansion is Crucial for Bangladesh
“None will lag behind. The coast guard will be made capable to face the 21st century’s challenges with the inclusion of modern technology-based ships, helicopters, and the force’s communication system development”
– PM Sheikh Hasina
As a deltaic nation with a vast coastline along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to various maritime threats, including piracy, terrorism, and transnational crimes. The expansion of the Coast Guard is an absolute necessity to address these challenges effectively.
The expansion of the Bangladesh Coast Guard is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it is essential for maintaining the overall law-and-order situation in the vast coastal areas and marine waters. Secondly, it plays a vital role in protecting fisheries, ensuring the security of the country’s seaports, and conducting anti-smuggling and anti-drug operations.
The growing significance of the blue economy necessitates robust maritime infrastructure and security mechanisms. Bangladesh aims to harness the potential of its maritime resources for sustainable development, requiring a capable Coast Guard to protect maritime assets and support maritime trade and commerce. It is critical for protecting the lives and property of coastal people during natural disasters.
The Myanmar issue is also a unique factor that necessitates the expansion of the coast guard. Myanmar is at te heart of the “golden triangle” and is the primary supplier of narcotics such as yaba to the rest of Asia. An expanded coast guard will be able to better guard the Naf River and other vital maritime smuggling routes.
Expansion Possibilities
The government has recently approved a new project to build nine replacement ships for the Coast Guard. In addition, approval was given for the procurement of four more Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), two maritime version helicopters for deep sea patrolling by the Coast Guard.
Advanced technology ships, maritime surveillance systems, hovercrafts, and high-speed boats are going to be added to this force very soon. Plans have been adopted to increase the current strength to 15,000 manpower gradually as per Vision 2030 and Vision 2041 to modernize the force to provide a blue economy and security at sea.
The procurement of state-of-the-art ships is a key component of the transformation plan. These modern ships will play a strategic role in strengthening patrolling and response capabilities. With advanced navigation systems, surveillance equipment, and firepower, these ships will greatly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and safeguard Bangladesh’s vast sea areas.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision to transform the Bangladesh Coast Guard into a technologically advanced and well-equipped force is a vital step towards addressing evolving maritime challenges. This ambitious undertaking holds significant implications for national development and security.
By enhancing maritime security, the transformed Coast Guard will not only protect Bangladesh’s valuable resources but also contribute to sustainable economic growth. The comprehensive sea area coverage plan, which includes expanding and optimizing patrolling efforts in coordination with other agencies, will minimize surveillance gaps and ensure a conducive environment for blue economy sectors such as fisheries, shipping, and tourism. Through enforcement actions and collaborative initiatives for responsible resource management, the Coast Guard will safeguard marine ecosystems and facilitate trade.
