Bangladesh bolsters security to protect oil shipments amid Middle East tensions

The heightened measures follow the international and regional security issues amid the Middle East crisis

Following the swiftly developing international and regional security issues amid the Middle East crisis, Bangladesh Navy has bolstered security for oil tankers with the maritime border of the country.

In a media statement on Thursday, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) said the Navy has strengthened its patrol and surveillance activities in important sea routes.

Underscoring crude oil as the key source of the nation’s energy supply -- including LNG, LPG, and essential transport fuels -- the ISPR affirmed that the Navy remains steadfast in safeguarding the security of oil tankers.

Patrolling and surveillance have been beefed up in the Bay of Bengal as part of the security measures, it added.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) on Saturday wrote to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to deploy the Army to ensure the security of oil depots in the country amid instability in the Middle East due to the Iran war.

“Surveillance is in place through the deployment of naval warships, speed boats, as well as maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters as part of the security measure,” the ISPR said.

The additional security boost is a precautionary measure and aims to further strengthen the overall security of the country's energy transportation system, it continued.

Special Navy teams are also ready to check any kind of smuggling in the sea, the ISPR said, adding, the Navy is working in coordination with Chittagong Port Authority, Bangladesh Coast Guard, other law-enforcing and energy agencies.