2 fishermen rescued; robber arrested with arms-ammo in Sundarbans

Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued two abducted fishermen and arrested a member of a notorious robbery gang during separate operations under “Operation Mangrove Shield” in the Sundarbans.

The information was confirmed on Friday by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon. 

He said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to eliminate banditry in the mangrove forest under directives from Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to Coast Guard sources, on April 15, two fishermen were abducted for ransom by “Boro Jahangir” gang near the Shuormara canal. 

Acting on a tip-off, a special drive was conducted on April 16 in the Murti canal area, where the fishermen were rescued unharmed along with their boat. However, the attackers managed to escape into the forest.

In a separate operation on Friday morning near the Hogoldora canal, Coast Guard personnel chased and arrested Tarikul, 35, an active member of “Doyal” robbery gang.

During the arrest, authorities recovered two single-barrel guns and nine rounds of ammunition.

Lieutenant Commander Sujon said the Coast Guard remains firm in its stance against forest banditry, adding that special operations such as “Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Mangrove Shield” will continue until the region is fully free of criminal activity.

Legal proceedings against the arrested suspect are underway, while the rescued fishermen are being reunited with their families, the official added.

SMS/TZ