by Hafizur Rahman
June 3, 2026
Bangladesh Navy personnel arrested 20 people and seized 1,700 bags of cement that were allegedly being smuggled from Bangladesh to Arakan State, according to reports released on Tuesday.
According to authorities, a Bangladesh Navy patrol vessel detected two suspicious engine-powered wooden fishing boats while conducting routine patrol operations approximately 19 miles from Saint Martin’s Lighthouse.
The patrol team reportedly followed and intercepted the two vessels, identified as Ma-2 and Nishan-2.
After searching the boats, Navy personnel discovered a large quantity of cement on board.
Authorities said 900 bags of cement were recovered from the Ma-2 vessel, while another 800 bags were seized from the Nishan-2 vessel, bringing the total to 1,700 bags.
The Navy also detained 20 individuals who were allegedly involved in transporting the cement illegally across the border.
According to officials, both the seized cement and the detained individuals were taken into custody for further investigation.
Authorities have not yet released additional information regarding the identities of those arrested or the intended destination of the shipment inside Arakan State.
