Photo: ISPR

DHAKA, Dec 17, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Navy has recovered 1,750 sacks of 
cement along with two engine-run boats and arrested 23 smugglers during 
illegal smuggling to Myanmar.

"The Navy conducted a drive in the Kutubdia outer anchorage area while 
patrolling in the Bay of Bengal last day," said a release of the Inter 
Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate here this evening.

On secret information, the Navy members intensified patrols in Saint Martin 
and adjacent areas where a gang was smuggling cement to Myanmar by evading 
customs duties through sea routes using engine-powered boats.

The naval force, while engaged in patrolling there, boarding on Bangladesh 
Navy ship Shahid Mohibullah spotted two suspicious wooden boats 46 miles away 
from the Kutubdia Lighthouse.
 
Meanwhile, when the Navy signaled the two boats to stop for the purpose of 
searching, they tried to escape.

Subsequently, Bangladesh Navy ship Mohibullah chased and detained two boats -
-'FB Azizul Haque' and 'FB Runa Akhter'-- and seized smuggled goods. 

The detainees, however, were handed over to Patenga Model Police Station for 
legal action, the ISPR added.

The Bangladesh Navy has been conducting regular patrols to protect the 
sovereignty of the country's maritime borders, ensure maritime security and 
establish good governance at sea.

Apart from maintaining the security of the sea and coastal areas, the Navy's 
operations and patrols are continuing to suppress internal terrorism, drug 
smuggling and other criminal activities.