TBM Report
The coastal communities of the Sundarbans are once again gripped by fear as pirate gangs have resurfaced in the world’s largest mangrove forest. Within the last three months, over a hundred fishermen and forest-dependent workers have been abducted by multiple pirate syndicates, primarily operating in the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges of the Sundarbans East Forest Division. The abductors are reportedly demanding ransoms ranging from BDT 50,000 to 1,00,000 per person, forcing many debt-ridden families into further financial ruin.
In the latest incident on the night of February 16, pirates launched a coordinated attack on 20 fishing trawlers near Narikelbaria and Ambaria in the Dublar Char area. Twenty fishermen were kidnapped at gunpoint. This follows a previous abduction of six others on February 13 from the same region. “The pirates are hiding in inaccessible creeks like Mara Bhola and Andharmanik. We are living in constant fear,” said a local fish trader. The victims hail mostly from the Paikgacha, Koyra, and Ashashuni upazilas of Khulna.
Responding to the crisis, Md. Shariful Islam, the Sharankhola Range Officer (ACF), stated that the Forest Department has sought immediate assistance from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Coast Guard. “We have intensified patrolling and instructed fishermen to remain near forest offices during the night for their safety,” he added. However, despite these measures, many fishermen are refusing to enter the forest, leading to a severe economic crisis in the coastal belt.
The resurgence of these criminal elements marks a setback for the forest’s security, which had seen a period of peace following major surrenders of pirate gangs in recent years. Security experts suggest that a lack of continuous surveillance in the deeper parts of the forest has allowed new factions to form. As the Coast Guard continues its rescue operations, the families of the 26 currently held hostages await their safe return with bated breath.
