Robbers, pirates still active in Sundarbans, adjacent areas

Khulna Correspondent :

Forest Robbers and Pirates have again started their ill activities in the areas of the Sundarbans. Even after surrendering, some of them began robbery in different areas, adjacent to the Sundarbans.
On April 18, 2025( Friday) night, Members of Bangladesh Coastguard, Mongla Base launched a drive at Adachai forest Station, adjacent to the Sundarbans and arrested two associates of ferocious pirates gang named ” Karim Sharif Bahini” along with arms and ammunition. Media Officer of Bangladesh Coastguard Lieutenant Commander Sium ul Haque ascertained this matter to journalists.
According to different sources, at leat 10 pirates gangs are still active in Sundarbans. They are– Kalim Sharafi Bahini, Abullah Bahini, Mojnu Bahini, Doyal Bahini, Robiul Bahini, Monjur Bahini, Masum Billah Bahini, Bhagney ( nephew) Bahini and others.
At least 150 fishermen were abducted and 1 lac taka were realized as ransom in the last three months, according to sources .
In spite of several surrendering, different pirate gangs are still active in the Sundarbans. More than once, different robber gangs surrendered before the Home Minister and drives are going on against the pirates, but the rest members of those gangs have been making new gangs who are ferociously active in the Sundarbans.
Fishermen sources said, pirates swoop on them while fishing and loot trawlers and goods belonged to them and there after they demand ransom huge amount of taka.
Bagerhat SP Touhidul Arif said, “There are reports that pirates are organizing again. We are trying to prevent them.”
Satkhira SP Monirul Islam said, “Sundarbans is a vast area. Not only the police, but also RAB and Coast Guard are performing their duties. We are trying to prevent any pirates from carrying out any activities.”
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam Ul Haque recently said , “The fishermen of this region were doing well since the Sundarbans were declared pirate-free on November 1, 2018. But recently, the activities of forest and pirates are increasing again.” He said adding that the areas under the Bangladesh Coast Guard have been patrolled 24 hours a day to ensure the safety of fishermen, suppress pirates and forest pirates, and ensure a safe Sundarbans.
With everyone’s cooperation, members of coastguard would free the pirates again.