Photo: Video screenshot

DHAKA, June 23, 2025 (BSS) - Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Coast Guard 
(BCG) Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque has expressed hope that the existing 
cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia on maritime security would be 
further enhanced.
 
"We hope that the existing relations on maritime security and cooperation 
between Bangladesh and Australia will be further strengthened," he said.
 
He made the remarks when Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander of Australian 
Maritime Border Command and Commander of Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), 
Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB), and a delegation from the Australian 
Embassy visited the Bangladesh Coast Guard Headquarters in the capital's 
Agargaon today.
 
During the meeting, representatives of BCG and Australian Border Force 
expressed their determination to maintain the continuity of friendly 
relations and partnerships formed for mutual benefit and to ensure long-
lasting friendship between the countries.
 
In his welcome address, Ziaul Hoque stressed the need for further 
strengthening the joint partnership between the two countries in proper 
enforcement of maritime law, increasing regional awareness and capacity 
building.
 
He also mentioned that the real-time information exchange, joint training and 
strategic coordination are essential to prevent international crimes, illegal 
fishing, human and drug trafficking and terrorist activities at the sea.
 
The BCG chief further said that Bangladesh Coast Guard and Australian Border 
Force are working on the basis of professionalism and common determination 
for this purpose.
 
Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Hoque said that the effectiveness of the force has 
increased significantly due to the increase in training, technical assistance 
and surveillance capacity with the help of Australia.
 
He also expressed hope that this cooperation will expand further in the 
future.