Arakan News Agency
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested 11 people and seized a large consignment of cement while they were allegedly attempting to smuggle it illegally into Myanmar, as part of an ongoing crackdown on cross-border smuggling in coastal and border areas.
The arrests were made on Sunday afternoon, January 18, during a routine patrol supported by intelligence-led operations in a coastal area near the border, according to Coast Guard sources.
Officials said the suspects were trying to transport a significant quantity of cement across the border without legal authorization when they were intercepted by Coast Guard personnel.
Bangladesh Coast Guard media officer Lt. Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed the operation, saying it was conducted as part of sustained efforts to combat smuggling and safeguard maritime and border security. He noted that the seized cement was being transported in clear violation of existing laws.
“The Coast Guard continues intensive monitoring of coastal and riverine areas to prevent all forms of smuggling and illegal activities,” Siam-ul-Haq said, adding that such operations would continue in the interest of national security and law enforcement.
The arrested individuals have been taken into custody, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them. Authorities are also investigating whether the group is connected to a wider smuggling network operating along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance and taking firm action against smugglers to ensure security, stability, and the regulation of lawful trade in border regions.
The operation comes amid an increase in smuggling activities along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, where the complex geography of coastal areas and the presence of numerous informal maritime and river routes are often exploited.
Smuggling operations commonly involve food items, fuel, and construction materials, including cement, which has seen rising demand in conflict-affected areas of Arakan State.
In recent years, Bangladeshi authorities—particularly the Coast Guard and border security forces—have intensified patrols and joint operations to counter organized smuggling networks, which are viewed as a threat to border security and as contributors to illicit economies in the region.
