Dhaka, Sep 16 (V7N)– Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has raised concerns about the potential for hilsa and fertilizer smuggling to neighbouring countries. He has directed the Bangladesh Coast Guard to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent this illegal activity.

Speaking at a meeting with senior officers and sailors of the Bangladesh Coast Guard Headquarters in the capital's Agargaon administrative area on Monday, the advisor highlighted that the government has refrained from exporting hilsa to India this year to meet domestic needs. Additionally, despite the ongoing dollar crisis, the government has ensured the import and distribution of adequate fertilizer supplies. In this context, the risk of smuggling both hilsa and fertilizer has increased, necessitating heightened vigilance by the Coast Guard.

"The Coast Guard must prevent smuggling through the sea and waterways as part of their primary responsibility," said the Home Affairs Advisor. He further praised the Coast Guard for their ethical conduct, contrasting them with other law enforcement agencies that have faced moral lapses. "While corruption has seeped into various sectors, the Coast Guard continues to uphold its integrity, and I deeply appreciate their efforts."

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Chowdhury also addressed broader issues of corruption, calling on Coast Guard members to maintain their anti-corruption stance and ensure transparency in their operations, including procurement processes. He assured them of the government's support in addressing challenges related to manpower, accommodation, weapons, and the acquisition of patrol and rescue boats.

Present at the meeting were senior officials including Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs' Public Security Department, and Real Admiral Mir Ershad Ali, Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining national security and preventing cross-border smuggling in a time of heightened economic and resource pressures.

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