Illegal fishing up, fish fry worth Tk 1,806cr seized in Sundarbans

A crackdown launched by the Coast Guard about two years ago to ensure the security of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as to protect coastal regions, forest resources, and fisheries, is still ongoing.

During these operations, a total of 61 members of various forest bandit gangs were arrested. Around 80 firearms and 599 rounds of live ammunition were seized, and 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued alive over the past one and a half years.

During the same period, large quantities of illegal fishing nets and banned fish fry worth approximately Tk 1,806 crore were seized.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, Media Officer of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (Western Zone, Mongla), disclosed this information in a press release.

He added that the operations were conducted against several notorious forest-based pirate groups, including Karim-Sharif Bahini, Nana Bahini, Choto Suman Bahini, Alif Bahini, and Asabur Bahini.

In addition, Coast Guard personnel seized 944 kg of venison, 900 deer traps, and other materials, and arrested around 29 deer poachers under the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The Media Officer further stated that during the 13th National Assembly elections, Coast Guard members were engaged in election duties. Taking advantage of the situation, a group of criminals entered the Sundarbans and attempted to create unrest.

However, the Honorable Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, declared a zero-tolerance policy against the so-called forest pirates. Following his directive, two separate operations”Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”are being conducted by the Coast Guard to restore order and suppress piracy.

Lt. Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan also mentioned that intelligence surveillance in areas such as Harbaria, Kaikhali, Koyra, Nalian, and Mandarbaria under the Eastern Division, as well as across the Western Division of the Sundarbans, has been significantly strengthened.

To ensure the success of these operations, coordination meetings have been held among the Coast Guard, Navy, RAB, police, and other law enforcement agencies.

As a result of these ongoing efforts, piracy in the Sundarbans has shown a downward trend, and the mindset of those dependent on forest resources has improved significantly.

The Media Officer added that these operations will continue until the Sundarbans is completely free from forest pirates.