The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched a sweeping operation across the Sundarbans and coastal areas to strengthen security. According to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the force has arrested 61 members of various pirate groups and recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition over the past one and a half years. The announcement was made on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

The operation, conducted under the directives of the Home Minister, includes two major initiatives titled ‘Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans’ and ‘Operation Mangrove Shield’. It is being carried out jointly by the Coast Guard, Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police, and Forest Department. The Coast Guard has also rescued 78 fishermen and 3 tourists alive, seized illegal fishing nets, fish fry, deer meat, and traps, and detained 29 poachers.

Officials stated that the coordinated raids will continue until the Sundarbans region is completely free of piracy and illegal activities.