Bangladesh Navy’s two new warships — ‘Omar Faruk’ and “Abu Ubaidah’ ISPR
It is hoped that the successful implementation of the joint patrol and exercise will be able to play a more effective role in protecting regional maritime security
Bangladesh Navy and Indian Navy on Saturday started a three-day coordinated patrol and bilateral exercise “Bongosagar” in the Bay of Bengal aimed at curbing maritime crimes and smuggling.
Two Bangladesh Navy warships, Pratyay and Abu Bakr, and a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and Indian Navy Warships, INS Kiltan and INS Khukri, and an MPA are taking part in the exercise which will continue till Monday, said an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) press release.
Earlier, Bangladesh Navy Warships, Pratyay and Abu Bakr, left the Mongla naval jetty on Friday to join the coordinated patrol and “Bongosagar”.
According to the press release, the coordinated patrol and “Bongosagar” are being carried out aiming at curbing different crimes, including illegal fish catching, smuggling, human trafficking, piracy, and drug smuggling, in the sea areas.
The joint patrol and exercise of the two neighbouring countries will play a vital role in exchanging information on maritime crimes in their respective maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal, ensuring proper management of information, identifying ships conducting illegal activities at sea, and eliminating various crimes.
Apart from curbing criminal activities in the sea, it is hoped that the successful implementation of the joint patrol and exercise will be able to play a more effective role in protecting regional maritime security, addressing maritime security risks, and in the development of the maritime economy.❐
