Drones, fast moving vessels to intensify coastlines surveillance

Bangladesh's 47,203-square- kilometer shoreline is coming under stringent surveillance, as the coastal security force plans to deploy drones and fast-moving vessels under an integrated system to curb marine crimes.

Southern coastlines, including seaports, vital shipping routes, marine resources and communities along the country's 19 coastal districts are coming under this integrated technology supported surveillance system, Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan told BSS.  

"Drones, modern patrol vessels, advanced communication systems and integrated maritime surveillance technologies are opening up new opportunities for the force," he said. 

The BCG spokesperson said round-the-clock surveillance across the extensive coastline, remote chars and vast maritime areas remains challenging through conventional patrols. 

Sabbir Alam Sujan said the force faces challenges in combating  piracy, forest banditry, human trafficking, drug smuggling and other illicit activities across the coastal areas and the Bay of Bengal.

"Adverse weather, rough seas and remote locations often complicate operations," he said, adding that the scenario has prompted them to opt for technology-based surveillance.

 He said three surveillance drones and a ground control station were added to the paramilitary force's equipment in April 2026 while construction of a multipurpose response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels were underway with supports from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The Coast Guard, he said, has also planned to procure helicopters as part of initiatives to develop an integrated maritime surveillance system.

Drones can monitor designated areas, track vessel movements and identify potential threats, while rapid data transmission can help patrol vessels and coastal stations respond promptly.

Talking to BSS, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) Director General Commodore (retd) Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad stressed stronger coordination among the Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard and other government agencies to ensure security and protect maritime resources.

 He proposed establishing a separate ministry for maritime affairs or the Bay of Bengal and forming a coordination committee involving the Navy, the ministries of home affairs and environment along with other relevant agencies.

"All of them need to work in a coordinated manner with modern technology and adequate manpower," he told BSS.

The BIMRAD DG said countries with vast coastlines including neighbouring India, Pakistan have separate ministries to look after maritime security of their coastal belts. Like the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India and Ministry of Maritime Affairs in Pakistan, Bangladesh can establish a separate ministry to look after its large coastline and marine resources, he added.        

He said Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), which enables authorities to monitor and understand activities at sea, is crucial to maritime security.

"Coordinated use of radar, the Automatic Identification System (AIS), satellites, drones and intelligence sharing could help combat piracy, drug and arms smuggling, human trafficking and illegal fishing," he added. 

Such capabilities, he said, could also support search and rescue operations and the conservation of marine resources.

 The former naval officer stressed that effective maritime surveillance requires skilled personnel, regular equipment maintenance, reliable communications and timely information sharing to ensure swift responses to face emerging threats.