Pirate act poses risk to Sundarban’s honey harvest
The Mawals [who collect and harvest honey] have witnessed a major challenge and obstacles to collect honey from the Sundarbans, as activities of jungle pirates have created great panic among the collectors.
According to forest department sources, this year’s target for honey collection has been set at 1,800 quintals, while wax collection is targeted at 900 quintals from the honeycombs of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Of this, 700 quintals of honey and 300 quintals of wax are targeted from the Sharankhola and Chandpai forest ranges under the Eastern Division, while 1,100 quintals of honey and 600 quintals of wax are set for the Khulna and Satkhira forest ranges in the Western Division.
The collection of honey has begun in the Sundarbans with the start of April 2026 and will continue until May 31.
This year, due to early rains, trees such as Khalisa, Garan, Pashur, Hargoza, and other species in the Khulna and Satkhira ranges bloomed early with abundant flowers of various colors.
As a result, the forest is now resonant with the humming sounds of bees. Many honey collectors have already begun collecting honey and wax, and others are preparing to start.
However, in the Eastern Division’s Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges, the number of trees such as Goran, Pashur, Khalisha, and Hargoza is lower compared to the Western Division.
Additionally, various tree species in the Eastern Division bloomed late due to insufficient rainfall. Honey collectors in this area are making preparations to collect honey and wax, confirmed the Sundarbans Forest Department.
Authorities fear that the collection targets for honey and wax may not be achieved this year due to the increasing activities of jungle pirates.
Honey collectors are reluctant to enter the Sundarbans for fear of abduction.
About 70 Mawals entered the forest under Sharankhola Forest Range within the Eastern Division on April 5. Many Mawals who entered earlier returned without collecting honey due to fears of jungle pirates.
Seeking anonymity, Mawals said that they were unwilling to go into the forest for honey collection because of pirate threats. Meanwhile, honey traders are hesitant to provide advance payments to Mawals, fearing losses due to pirate activities.
Some Mawals disclosed that if a collector is abducted, the ransom can range from Tk. 3 to 5 lakh. As a result, many Mawals did not procure the required passes or permits for honey collection.
Md. Rasel Ahmed and Ripon Bayati, two honey traders from Sharankhola Upazila, and Sakawat Hossain, a trader from Chandpai area under Mongla Upazila, reported that jungle pirate activities have increased significantly in the Sundarbans in recent months.
Md. Khalilur Rahman (ACF), Ranger of Sharankhola Forest Range, stated that only about 10 passes were procured by Mawals for ten boats this year, compared to 60 permits by the same time last year. He added that around 70 Mawals entered the deep forest using 10 boats escorted by forest guards as of April 5.
Speaking to the New Nation, Surajit Chowdhury, the Officer-in-Charge of Dhyangmari Forest Station and Deputy Ranger of Chandpai Forest Range said that after procuring 11 permits, about 80 Mawals went into the forest using 11 boats.
However, one boat returned after members of the jungle pirate gang “Jahngir Bahini” demanded Tk. 5,000 per Mawal. This was disclosed by Mawal Kalam Khan from Kalabogi-Sutarkhali village.
Forester Rabiul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Chandpai Forest Station, reported that after issuing 18 permits, 144 Mawals entered the forest using 18 boats to collect honey. However, five boats have already returned without collecting honey due to fear of jungle pirates.
