Coast Guard rescues 21 fishermen held hostage by pirate gangs in Sundarbans

The Coast Guard's West Zone has rescued 21 fishermen who were allegedly being held hostage by two pirate gangs in the Sundarbans while demanding ransom.

The fishermen were rescued in two separate operations conducted in the Andarmanik area adjacent to the eastern Sundarbans, including Tota, Keoratola canal and the Boro Dudmukh canal area of the Shibsa River.

During the drives, Coast Guard members also recovered a single-barrel gun, five rounds of live ammunition and one spent cartridge.

The information was disclosed at a press briefing by Lt Sheikh Sadman Bin Mahmud, executive officer of Coast Guard ship BCGS Sonar Bangla today (22 May).

According to him, members of the Doyal Bahini had abducted 10 fishermen from the Firingi Khal and Kunchir Khal areas and demanded ransom for their release. Meanwhile, the Boro Jahangir Bahini allegedly kidnapped another 11 fishermen from the Shibsa area and also demanded ransom.

Acting on a tip-off, Coast Guard personnel launched an operation early yesterday in the Firingi Khal and Kunchir Khal areas and rescued the 10 fishermen held by the Doyal Bahini.

However, the pirates fled the scene after sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, and no arrests could be made.

Later the same day, another operation was conducted in the Boro Dudmukh canal area. Sensing the Coast Guard's presence, the pirates allegedly opened fire on the force.

The Coast Guard returned fire in self-defence, prompting the pirates to flee deep into the forest, the officer said.

Following a search operation in the area, Coast Guard members safely rescued the 11 fishermen held hostage there and recovered firearm and ammunition.

The rescued fishermen, all from Khulna and Satkhira districts, are being handed over to their families, while the recovered arms and ammunition are being transferred to the police station after filing a case, the Coast Guard official added.