Four abducted fishers rescued in Sundarban

KHULNA, Oct 13: The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has rescued four fishermen who were held hostage by the notorious Samrat robber gang in the Sundarban.

The fishermen are Moinur, 50, Badsha Gazi, 39, Sujan Hossain, 34, and Imam ul Mallik, 22. All of them are residents of Paikgachha Upazila in Khulna District. The process of handing them over to their families is underway.

BCG Media Officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed the information on Monday morning.

He said the BCG has been conducting two special operations, titled “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarban” and “Operation Mangrove Shield,” under the government’s directives to eliminate all active pirate gangs in the Sundarban and ensure security in coastal areas.

As part of the operations, the BCG received confidential information that the notorious Samrat gang was staying near the Arbania canal in the Shibsa River area of the Sundarban under Dacope Upazila of Khulna. Acting on the information, the BCG Outpost at Nalian conducted a special operation in the area at 2 pm on Sunday. 

During the operation, the BCG rescued the four fishermen, he said, adding that sensing the presence of the BCG, the robbers fled into the forest, leaving the hostages behind. No one could be arrested in the operation.