40 pirates held, in Sundarbans in one year

Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested 40 active members of different forest pirate gangs and recovered 46 weapons during anti-piracy drives in the Sundarbans over the past one year.

The arrested pirates belonged to several notorious gangs, including Karim Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhoto Suman, Alif, Dulabhai and Asabur Bahini, according to a Coast Guard press release said on Sunday, reports BSS. During the operations, law enforcers recovered 43 local and foreign firearms, 10 live shells, 186 rounds of live ammunition, 299 rounds of blank cartridges, two hand bombs and a large quantity of locally made weapons.

Several hideouts of pirate groups were also identified and demolished during the drives.

The Coast Guard also rescued 37 fishermen, two tourists and a resort owner and handed them over to their respective families, the release added.

Talking to BSS, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant
Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said Bangladesh Coast Guard has taken a firm stance against all active forest pirate groups in the Sundarbans following direct instructions from the Home Minister.

He said the force would continue such joint operations in the future to make the Sundarbans completely free from forest piracy.

As part of the initiative, two special operations titled “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield” are being conducted under the leadership of the Coast Guard.

In continuation of the drives, a joint patrol involving the Coast Guard, Bangladesh Navy, Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was carried out in the Sundarbans adjoining areas today.

The Coast Guard has also intensified awareness activities among people dependent on the Sundarbans and strengthened regular patrols to ensure their safety, the release said.

Enhanced surveillance in rivers and canals in and around the Sundarbans has significantly reduced piracy activities in the region, it added.