27 members of ‘Chhoto Jahangir Bahini’ surrender with arms

In a major breakthrough against piracy in the Sundarbans, 27 active members of notorious ‘Chhoto Jahangir Bahini’, including its leader Jahangir Sheikh, surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) on Monday, handing over a substantial cache of firearms and ammunition.

The surrender took place on July 13 in Char Putia Khal area of the Sundarbans under Mongla, Bagerhat, according to a BCG press release.

Those who surrendered on Monday are Jahangir Sheikh (45), Mujahid Gazi (27), Billal Sheikh (35), Jahid Hasan (28), Sumon Dhali (30), Ershad Shikari (42), Wahiduzzaman (30), Ayub Sheikh (42), Rafsan Dhali (30), Parvez Sheikh (27), Kamrul Sheikh (25), Jahurul Gazi (38), Sirajul Torofdar (38), Aminul Islam (40), Asadul Islam (42), Babul Sheikh (45), Shahjahan Sheikh (42), Helal (38), Akram Sheikh (45), Nurul Ejardar (50), Hasan Sheikh (27), Kamrul Sheikh (28), Zia Sheikh (38), Bir Sultan (55), Kaiyum Janaddar (40), Shariful Islam Boyati (21), and Md. Zainal Abedin (38).

Most are residents of Dacope, Koyra and Batiaghata upazilas of Khulna District, while others are from Rampal, Fakirhat, Chitalmari, Mollahat and Sarankhola upazilas of Bagerhat District. Md. Zainal Abedin is from Mathbaria Upazila of Pirojpur District.

According to the Coast Guard, the group deposited 3 foreign-made firearms, one eight-shot gun, one four-shot gun, five locally made single-barrel guns, 15 locally made pipe guns, two Chinese-made pipe guns, 340 rounds of live ammunition and 55 spent cartridges.

The Coast Guard said the surrender follows its sustained anti-piracy campaign under two special operations �" Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans and Operation Mangrove Shield �" launched under government directives to eliminate armed criminal groups from the Sundarbans and strengthen security in the coastal region.

As part of these operations, the Coast Guard has so far arrested 45 forest bandits along with large quantities of arms and ammunition and rescued 42 kidnapped victims alive, who were provided medical assistance before being reunited with their families.

Authorities said the continuous operations have significantly weakened pirate groups operating in the Sundarbans, making it increasingly difficult for them to continue their criminal activities. Earlier, seven members of the Chhoto Sumon Bahini and three active members of the Boro Jahangir Bahini had also surrendered to the Coast Guard with their weapons.

According to the Coast Guard, the group had long been involved in piracy in the Sundarbans, including armed robbery, abducting fishermen and honey collectors (Bawalis), and extorting ransom.