Sundarbans pirate gangs surrender to RAB

They surrendered on Monday RAB-6 Commander Lt Col Nistar Ahmed confirmed to the media on Tuesday.

Of those who surrendered, 16 are members of the Boro Jahangir gang, 13 of the Anarul gang, 15 of the Afzal alias Dulabhai gang, and eight of the Aftab gang, according to RAB sources.

Thousands of people, including fishermen, baowalis and mouyals, depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods. For years, pirates and forest criminals have posed a serious threat to them through abductions, ransom demands and other criminal activities, RAB said.

Against this backdrop, intelligence surveillance and operations by RAB-6 and other law enforcement agencies were intensified to curb crimes in and around the forest.

Alongside continued operations, the harsh environment of the Sundarbans and the uncertainty associated with a life of crime reportedly encouraged members of various pirate gangs to abandon their criminal activities and return to normal life.

As part of the process, 52 members of the four gangs surrendered, RAB said.
RAB said initiatives would be taken to provide the surrendering members with necessary assistance and rehabilitation to help them return to normal life.

Such measures, it said, could help reduce crimes in the Sundarbans and further strengthen the security of people who depend on the forest for their livelihoods.