Bangladesh Navy seizes smuggled diesel and cement in Bay of Bengal bust
The Bangladesh Navy has arrested 11 smugglers in the Bay of Bengal after intercepting a suspicious fishing boat. The vessel, FB Ankita Anbesha, was carrying illegal goods destined for Myanmar when it was stopped on 25 December 2025.
The navy ship Shahid Mohibullah first monitored the fishing boat before taking action. Officers discovered 1,000 litres of diesel and 650 bags of Bangladeshi diamond cement (Shah Cement) hidden on board. These items were being smuggled to Myanmar to avoid customs duties.
The captain of the FB Ankita Anbesha had already been detained by the Thai Navy near Thailand’s coast. Authorities confirmed the boat was attempting to transport the illegal cargo across the sea.
The operation resulted in the seizure of both the engine-powered boat and its smuggled goods. The arrested individuals now face legal action under Bangladeshi law. The navy continues to patrol the Bay of Bengal to prevent further smuggling attempts.
