Bangladesh

by Hafizur Rahman

Chattogram, Bangladesh | August 1, 2026

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized 450 bags of DAP fertilizer allegedly being smuggled to Rakhine State, Myanmar, and arrested 23 people during an operation off Patenga in Chattogram.

According to the Coast Guard, the operation was conducted at around 7:00 a.m. on July 31 after officers received information about suspected smuggling activities in the outer anchorage area of Patenga.

During the operation, Coast Guard members searched two fishing boats and detained 23 suspects. They also seized 450 bags of DAP fertilizer weighing around 22.5 metric tons, or 22,500 kilograms.

Officials estimated the value of the seized fertilizer at approximately Tk 15.75 million.

The Coast Guard said the seized fertilizer, the boats and the arrested suspects would be handed over to Patenga Model Police Station for further legal action.

In a statement, the Bangladesh Coast Guard said it would continue operations to prevent illegal smuggling and protect the country’s coastal waters.

The seizure comes amid continuing concerns over cross-border smuggling routes between Bangladesh and Rakhine State, where conflict, restrictions and shortages have increased pressure on informal trade networks. Bangladeshi authorities have previously seized goods allegedly being moved toward Myanmar through coastal and border routes.

No further details were immediately available about who allegedly arranged the shipment, where in Rakhine the fertilizer was intended to go, or whether the arrested suspects had links to any organised smuggling network.