Bangladesh, April 25, 2025
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, is witnessing a disturbing rise in criminal activity as pirate gangs have effectively established a shadow administration in several areas. According to local sources and law enforcement, anyone wishing to enter the forest must first contact these pirate groups and pay a predetermined ‘toll’ to gain permission. Failure to comply leads to abduction, torture, or robbery, creating widespread fear among coastal fishermen and forest workers.
In the past six months, over 100 fishermen and forest workers have been kidnapped at gunpoint by multiple pirate gangs operating in the Sundarbans. Ransoms ranging from BDT 20,000 to BDT 50,000 per person are demanded, typically collected through mobile payment platforms like bKash. Those unable to pay face physical abuse and prolonged captivity in isolated forest areas.
Faruk Hossain, a fisherman from Dacope, Khulna, shared his ordeal: “I was taken hostage along with three others while fishing. We were held deep in the forest, tortured, and released only after paying the ransom via bKash.” Rabiul Sheikh from Shyamnagar recounted a similar experience, noting that one of his group was brutally beaten for delayed payment, leaving them too terrified to return to the Sundarbans.
Fishermen report that at least seven to eight pirate groups, including the Sharif and Dayal gangs, are active in the region, each with 8-10 armed members wielding rifles, shotguns, and sharp weapons. Recent Coast Guard operations have led to the arrest of 19 pirates, the rescue of 37 hostages, and the seizure of 24 firearms, 60 homemade weapons, and explosives. However, these efforts have not fully curbed the pirate menace.
Captain Mehedi Hasan, Zonal Commander of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (West Zone), stated, “We have intensified our operations and destroyed several pirate hideouts. Recently, we freed 33 fishermen. Any piracy attempts will be met with strict action.” Md. Imran Hossain, Forest Conservator of the Sundarbans, emphasized the need for collaboration with the Coast Guard, Navy, and RAB, proposing a dedicated task force to restore safety to the forest.
AI/MR
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 coment rios: