Six fishers freed after 13 days in captivity 

KHULNA, May 2: Six fishermen have returned home early Saturday after being held hostage by forest pirates for 13 days in the Sundarban, reportedly securing their release through ransom payments.

Family sources said, the fishermen were abducted on April 20 from the Kokilmoni and Chatra areas of the eastern Sundarban by members of the Sharif and Nana Bhai pirate groups.

Nazma Begum, wife of fisherman Kalam Farazi from Panirghat area under Sharankhola Upazila, confirmed over phone that her husband, along with five others, returned home safely at dawn on Saturday after paying ransom.

The other fishermen were identified as Anwar Boyati and Kibrul of Sharankhola Village in Bagerhat, and Mohsin and Abdul Salam from Harintana Village of Mathbaria Upazila in Pirojpur. The identity of another fisherman could not be confirmed.

A fish trader from Sharankhola bazar, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the six fishermen were held at an undisclosed location in the Sundarban after their abduction.

He added that the ransom -- reportedly amounting to over one lakh taka was paid via mobile financial service to secure their release.

The trader also alleged that several honey collectors are still being held captive by pirate groups, and claimed that extortion activities by forest-based criminal gangs continue silently in the Sundarban, leaving fishermen and forest workers in fear.

Contacted, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sharankhola Police Station Md. ShaminulHaque said he was not aware of the incident.

"No complaint has been filed. Legal action will be taken if any complaint is received," he added.