Coast guard forces three ‘Boro Jahangir’ gang members to surrender

Three active members of the notorious ‘Boro Jahangir’ pirate gang surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard with firearms and ammunition in the Sundarbans on Wednesday, as security forces intensified anti-piracy operations in the forest. A fisherman held hostage by the gang was also rescued during the operation.

Three active members of the notorious ‘Boro Jahangir’ pirate gang surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard with arms and ammunition in the Sundarbans on Wednesday afternoon amid intensified anti-piracy operations.

The surrender took place at Kolamuli Canal adjacent to the Tambulbunia Forest Office under Sharankhola Police Station in Bagerhat.

The information was confirmed on Thursday morning by Bangladesh Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

According to the Coast Guard, the surrendered pirates handed over two locally made single-barrel guns, one locally made pipe gun, 40 rounds of live ammunition and a walkie-talkie. During the same operation, Coast Guard personnel also rescued a fisherman who had been held hostage by the gang.

The surrendered pirates were identified as Alamin Hossain, 40, of Mongla upazila in Bagerhat; Taibur Rahman, 24, of Tala upazila in Satkhira; and Moniruzzaman Mamun, 20, of Koyra upazila in Khulna. Authorities said the trio had long been involved in piracy, kidnapping fishermen and extorting ransom in the Sundarbans.

The Coast Guard said the operation was carried out under the ongoing "Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans" and "Operation Mangrove Shield", launched in line with the government's directive to ensure security in the world's largest mangrove forest.

Since February 12, a total of 42 forest pirates have been arrested and 41 abducted fishermen rescued alive under the special operations, the Coast Guard said. Earlier, seven members of the 'Chhoto Sumon' pirate gang also surrendered to the authorities.

The Coast Guard said legal proceedings against the surrendered pirates are underway, while steps have been initiated for their rehabilitation. The rescued fisherman will be handed over to his family after completing the necessary formalities.

In a statement, Coast Guard Director General Commander Md. Mansurun Mahidin urged all active pirate groups operating in the Sundarbans to surrender and return to normal life.

"Those who surrender will be given an opportunity for rehabilitation. Otherwise, strict action will be taken against anyone continuing criminal activities in line with the government's zero-tolerance policy," he said.

The Coast Guard added that intelligence surveillance and regular operations will continue until the Sundarbans is completely free of piracy.

-HIS