The Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Coast Guard conducted a joint search operation at the Chittagong outer anchorage on Wednesday, August 12. More than 50 fishing boats were searched and 24 fishers were detained, according to Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon. The operation ran from 10am to 2pm and was intended to ensure the safe movement of Bangladeshi vessels.

The Coast Guard said the operation targeted obstacles to commercial ships and lighters in the outer anchorage and Karnaphuli Channel, as well as petty theft aboard commercial vessels. Teams identified and removed fishing boats and various types of illegally installed nets. The agency said the nets had obstructed vessel movement and increased the risk of accidents.

Coast Guard patrol ship BCGS Sonadia, several high-speed boats and the Chittagong Port Authority vessel Dishari-07 took part. Operational teams from the Coast Guard and Navy, along with a port magistrate, were present. A mobile court ordered 30 days' imprisonment for each of the 24 detained fishers. The Coast Guard said it would continue regular operations and surveillance under a zero-tolerance policy with relevant agencies.