BAGERHAT, Feb 28: A fortnight after their abduction, 20 fishermen remain missing in the Sundarban, leaving their families and local fish traders anxious and uncertain. The pirates have reportedly demanded a ransom of Tk 3.5 lakh per person and warned of dire consequences if payments are not made.
The fishermen were taken by armed pirate gangs led by Sumon and Jahangir on the night of February 16 from 20 trawlers fishing near Narikelbaria and Ambaria in the Bay of Bengal. The abducted fishermen primarily work in the dried fish production centres at Dubla Char, Alorkol, and Narikelbaria villages.
Over the past 18 months, at least 20 pirate gangs have emerged, using the Sundarban as a safe haven. The surge in pirate attacks has left fishermen and traders in fear and raised concerns within the forest department and law enforcement agencies.
In response, a joint 'comb' operation began on the morning of February 24, led by the Coast Guard, with support from the Navy, RAB, and police. The operation will continue until the Sundarbans is declared pirate-free.
The government's concern escalated following the simultaneous abduction of 20 fishermen and a marked increase in attacks in the Sundarbans and Bay of Bengal. On February 22, a special meeting was held at the Khulna Circuit House with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, where State Minister Lion Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam directed the launch of the joint operation.
Lieutenant Kamar Siam-ul-Haq, Media Officer of the Coast Guard, said the increasing audacity of pirate gangs has left both fishermen and traders helpless, prompting government and law enforcement concern. "The joint operation will continue until all pirates are neutralised," he added.
Local traders at Dubla Char, including Motasim Farazi, Zakir Sheikh, Abdur Rauf Member, and Pankaj Bishwas, said fishermen now risk their lives fishing only during the day. "Despite the joint operation, 20 fishermen remain captive, and there has been little visible impact so far," they said.
Environmentalists also expressed concern. Mohammad Noor Alam Sheikh, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) and Coordinator of 'We Must Protect the Sundarban', said that pirate dominance has returned the Sundarban to a state of fear. He warned that coastal economies and livelihoods are under threat. "The current combing operation seems more like a drill. Success requires stronger intelligence and covert strategies rather than public displays," he added.
Kamal Uddin Ahmed, President of the Dubla Fishermen's Group, said the Sundarban has again become a safe haven for pirates. "If they are not eradicated, the fishing business will collapse. Pirates continue to abduct fishermen; 20-22 remain captive." He suggested that covert operations, rather than showy manoeuvres, would be more effective.
State Minister Lion Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam reiterated that the Sundarban will be cleared of pirates at any cost. Discussions with the Home Minister on February 26 confirmed full government support for the operation, which will continue to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of fishermen and forest dwellers.
