52 robbers of four Sundarban gangs surrender

KHULNA, Sept 2: Fifty-two members of four armed robbery gangs operating in the Sundarban surrendered to authorities on Monday as part of efforts to improve security in the world’s largest mangrove forest, officials said.

The men, who surrendered their weapons at a ceremony organised by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-6) included 16 members of the Boro Jahangir Bahini, 13 from Anarul Bahini, 15 from Afzal alias Dulabhai Bahini and eight from Aftab Bahini.

RAB-6 Commander Nistar Ahmed said fishermen and others who depend on the forest for their livelihoods had long faced threats of abduction and ransom demands by armed groups.

The surrender came a day before the Sundarban reopened to tourists and forest-dependent people following a three-month seasonal closure aimed at protecting wildlife during breeding and movement periods.

Officials said the surrender could improve security for communities and tourists, while helping curb illegal resource extraction and wildlife poaching.

Ahmed said legal procedures would be initiated against the surrendered individuals and they would be brought before a court. RAB surveillance and anti-crime operations will continue, he said.