As per Ministry of Defence letter no 1/1/72/D-VI/684 dated 25 November 1975, role of BN are as follows:

i)         To safeguard/ defend the territorial waters of the country.

ii)        To keep the sea lines of communication open during a war.

iii)       To keep the sea ports of Bangladesh open for shipping during a war.

iv)       Protection of the Bangladesh fishing fleet.

v)        Coast guard duties.

vi)       Patrolling in riverine waters of the country.

vii)      Search and rescue at sea.

viii)     Cyclone warning for Naval Ships and Craft.

ix)       Protection of Bangalee merchant ships in the high Seas.

x)        Assist the civil administration in maintaining internal security and peace, whenever called for such duties.

xi)       Assist the civil administration in the event of natural calamities like flood, cyclone, tidal waves, earthquake etc. whenever called for such duties.

xii)      Naval Control of Shipping (Internal and External, Inland or Foreign) organization.

xiii)     Oceanographic survey.

xiv)     Any other task for which the government may deem it necessary to deploy the Navy.