DHAKA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is set to hold its annual exercise, 'Akash Bijoy-2026,' from April 5 to 9 at multiple air bases and units across the country. According to an ISPR release, the drill aims to enhance the overall combat readiness of the Air Force, with a particular focus on evaluating and strengthening air defense operations. During the exercise, emphasis will be placed on modern air defense strategies, joint operations, and rapid response mechanisms. All air bases and units, including fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, surface-to-air missile (SAM) units, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will actively participate. The Air Force pilots will also practice a variety of air warfare tactics as part of the exercise. The drill will see joint participation from the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Police, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD), and the Air Wing of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) along with its various units. The ISPR release added that such collaborative exercises further strengthen the country's integrated defense capabilities.

KHULNA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) – Two active members of notorious “Chhoto Jahangir Bahini” were arrested with arms and ammunition in two separate drives conducted by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the Sundarbans, while three abducted fishermen were rescued from another pirate group. Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon disclosed the information this afternoon. Acting on a tip-off that members of the outlawed gang were took position near Baintala Khal under Dacope upazila of Khulna, a special operation was carried out at around 6 am today by Coast Guard Base Mongla and Outpost Nalian. Sensing the presence of the coast guard, the pirates attempted to flee into the forest. The pursuing team arrested two members of the gang along with two single-barrel guns, 23 rounds of live cartridges, five blank cartridges, and five pieces of yaba tablets and Tk 1,100 in cash. Their hideout was also destroyed. The arrestees were identified as Sohag Hawlader, 35, of Sharankhola in Bagerhat, and Babul Sana, 42, of Paikgachha in Khulna.  They had long been involved in piracy as member of the gang. In another operation, based on information, it was learned that members of the notorious “Jonab Bahini” had abducted three fishermen along with a fishing boat from Hogoldara Khal under Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira on March 31, demanding ransom. Following the information, Coast Guard Station Haldibunia and Station Koikhali conducted a drive in the area at around 6:00 pm on April 1. During the operation, three fishermen along with their boat were rescued. The coast guard also seized another boat used by the pirates, two rounds of live cartridges, one blank cartridge, three walkie-talkie chargers, three mobile batteries and one axe. The rescued fishermen were identified as Intaj, 50, Mosharraf, 42, and Anis, 45, all residents of Shyamnagar in Satkhira. Legal procedures against the detained pirates and seized arms are underway, while the rescued fishermen are being handed over to their families. The coast guard official further said that in continuous drives over the past one and a half years, a total of 61 pirates belonging to different gangs, including Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhoto Suman, Alif and Asabur Bahini, have been arrested. During the operations, 80 firearms, 599 rounds of live ammunition, 308 rounds of blank ammunition and 1,950 rounds of airgun pellets were seized, while 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued from pirates. The Bangladesh Coast Guard will continue such drives to make the Sundarbans completely free from piracy, he added.