15 Sundarban robbers surrender in Khulna

KHULNA, Oct 11: Fifteen members of Alif Bahini, an active robber gang in the Sundarban, surrendered to Special Response Battalion-6 (SRB-6) on October 9, marking a step towards improving security in the world’s largest mangrove forest, according to an SRB-6 media cell press release issued on Saturday.

Of the 15, eight belonged to the Abdullah group and seven to the Majid group, the release said.

Piracy, abductions and ransom demands have long threatened the lives and livelihoods of fishermen, wood and honey collectors and others who depend on the Sundarban for their income.

Although many members of pirate gangs surrendered in previous years following law enforcement operations and government rehabilitation initiatives, recent intelligence reports indicated the emergence of new groups and alleged criminal activities by some former surrendering pirates, according to the release. Authorities also reported abductions of fishermen and forest workers and ransom demands.
In response, SRB-6 intensified intelligence gathering and operations to curb piracy, abductions and other organised crime in the forest.

Continued operations by SRB-6 and other law enforcement agencies, along with the harsh forest environment and uncertainties of criminal life, reportedly encouraged members of pirate groups to abandon crime and return to normal life.

SRB-6 said operations against piracy, abductions, ransom demands and other organised crime would continue. The surrendered men will be presented before the appropriate court after the necessary legal procedures.