Staff Correspondent 

Commander of Australian Maritime Border Command and Commander of Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), Operation Sovereign Borders (OSB), Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, along with a delegation from the Australian High Commission, visited the Bangladesh Coast Guard Headquarters on Monday, says a press release. 

In his welcome speech, Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Mohammad Ziaul Haque expressed hope that the existing milestones of maritime security and cooperation between Bangladesh and Australia would be further strengthened.

 He emphasized the importance of proper enforcement of maritime law, enhancing regional awareness, and strengthening joint partnership in capacity building between the two countries. He also highlighted that real-time information sharing, joint training, and strategic coordination are essential to combat international crimes, illegal fishing, human and drug trafficking, and maritime terrorism. 

He further stated that the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Australian Border Force are working together based on professionalism and shared commitment to these goals.

The Director General of the Bangladesh Coast Guard mentioned that due to Australia’s support in training, technical assistance, and surveillance capacity, the operational effectiveness of the force has significantly increased. He expressed hope that this cooperation would expand further in the future.

At the end of the event, the Bangladesh Coast Guard expressed gratitude to the Australian delegation for their presence. Representatives of both Bangladesh Coast Guard and Australian Border Force expressed their commitment to maintaining the continuity of this partnership formed in mutual interest and friendly relations, and to further strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two countries.