Bangladesh Coast Guard in Kolkata for maritime cooperation
A delegation of Bangladesh Coast Guard is on a two-day visit to Kolkata as part of the ongoing cooperation between the coast guards of the two neighbours, aimed at exploring avenues for common approach to maritime issues in the region, reports Economic Times.
A release from the Coast Guard said that Rear Admiral Mohammad Makbul Hossain, Director General Bangladesh Coast Guard led the Bangladesh delegation comprising officials from Bangladesh Coast Guard and Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs during its two-day visit.
The delegation visited the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata and interacted with Inspector General V.S.R. Murthy, Commander - Coast Guard Region.
The delegation was briefed about the initiatives of the Indian Coast Guard in ensuring safety of fishermen in distress at sea, protection of marine environment including conservation of Olive Ridley sea turtles and security of coastal areas, sources said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned an interceptor boat into its fleet at Haldia in West Bengal on Friday, enhancing its shallow water operational capability in riverine areas including the Sundarbans and other maritime borders in the region.
The 27 m long interceptor boat is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and is equipped with advanced navigational and communication equipment. With a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun as the main armament, the craft has also been fitted with infra-red and night vision cameras.