Play store
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized 63,000kg of cement from two boats allegedly being used to smuggle the material to Myanmar in separate operations in Patenga and Banshkhali.
Two suspected smugglers were arrested during the operations, while others managed to flee.
On Thursday evening, Coast Guard personnel searched a suspicious cargo boat in the outer anchorage area of Patenga and seized 750 sacks of cement weighing 37,500kg. The boat was also detained and two people were arrested.
Hours later, another operation near Bangla Bazar Ghat in Banshkhali led to the seizure of 510 sacks, weighing 25,500kg. The suspected smugglers fled the scene.
The Coast Guard said the total haul comprised 1,260 sacks of cement, which were being taken to Myanmar for smuggling.
Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns over alleged smuggling of fertiliser, cement and other essential goods through the Ukhiya-Teknaf border. They suspect such trafficking may also be linked to the movement of drugs, including yaba, into Bangladesh.
Locals have urged authorities to strengthen surveillance along land and waterways and step up operations against the smuggling of essential commodities.