Fishermen caught in pirates' net, face up to Tk90,000 in extortion as Sundarbans reopens
Fishermen reportedly have to pay each gang Tk25,000–30,000 to obtain permission to enter the Sundarbans. This means paying between Tk75,000 and Tk90,000 per boat.
The Sundarbans reopened today (1 September) after a three-month closure, allowing fishermen to return to the forest to catch fish and crabs, while tourists are also returning.
But for people who depend on the forest for their livelihoods, armed pirate gangs remain a major concern.
Fishermen say they are being forced to pay extortion money to enter the forest, fuelling fear and anxiety across the coastal region.
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Most are reluctant to speak publicly about the issue for fear of reprisals.
A visit to the Gabura area of the Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans found fishermen preparing their boats and nets ahead of the reopening.
Fishermen told The Business Standard that pirate gangs have divided the forest into areas of control. Three such gangs are active in the Satkhira region, they added.
Fishermen reportedly have to pay each gang Tk25,000–30,000 to obtain permission to enter the Sundarbans. This means paying between Tk75,000 and Tk90,000 per boat.
Those who enter without paying face the risk of being taken hostage and having to pay twice the amount as ransom, they said.
Who collects the extortion money?
The money is collected by the pirate gangs' associates, who live in nearby communities, according to fishermen.
However, fishermen are afraid to identify the people collecting the money.
They said they are afraid that if they reveal their names, the associates will pass the information to the pirates.
Then, when they enter the forest, the gangs will torture and beat them, the fishermen fear.
Several people in the area have allegedly suffered abuse at the hands of the pirates.
The fishermen said intelligence agencies can identify those collecting money for the gangs by monitoring the area.
According to the Forest Department, there are 2,900 boat licences, known as boat licence certificates (BLCs), for fishing and crab collection in the Satkhira Range. Two or three fishermen will enter the forest on each boat, meaning around 9,000 fishermen will gradually return to the Sundarbans.
The forest remained closed from 1 June to yesterday to protect wildlife and biodiversity during the breeding season. It is now open to fishermen and tourists.
The coast guard will remain active to ensure fishermen's safety, while the Forest Department's patrol teams and forest officials will conduct regular patrols, the department said, adding that the Tourist Police will be responsible for visitors' security.
Six pirate gangs active in Sundarbans, says coast guard
Commander Md Saiful Islam, commanding officer of BCGS Sonar Bangla under the coast guard's West Zone, said reports indicate that six pirate gangs are currently active in the Sundarbans.
They are the gangs led by "Boro Jahangir," Doyal, "Nana Bhai" alias Don, Anarul, Manju and "Dula Bhai," according to him.
Together, the gangs are estimated to have 120–140 members, he added.
Special operations are underway to maintain intelligence surveillance of these gangs' activities and take necessary legal action, Saiful said.
He mentioned that the government has adopted a "zero tolerance" policy towards piracy in the Sundarbans.
Under the government's directive, the coast guard is conducting two special operations – Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans and Operation Mangrove Shield – to eliminate active pirate gangs and ensure the safety of fishermen, bawalis (woodcutters), mouals (honey collectors) and others who depend on the forest, he added.
Since 12 February, 29 forest pirates have been detained, he said.
Authorities have also recovered 44 locally made and foreign firearms, 10 rounds of live ammunition, 293 rounds of live cartridges, 105 blank cartridges, 194 airgun pellets and two walkie-talkies, the official added.
Moreover, 39 fishermen held hostage by pirates have also been rescued alive and handed over to their families, he stated.
Meanwhile, 37 members of the "Chhoto Suman," "Boro Jahangir" and "Chhoto Jahangir" gangs have surrendered to the coast guard following sustained operations, according to him. They handed over 35 locally made and foreign firearms, 405 rounds of live ammunition and 58 blank cartridges.
Saiful remarked that the coast guard's operations have significantly weakened and fragmented the pirate gangs operating in the Sundarbans.
Security measures for tourists
The Tourist Police has also taken measures to ensure visitors' safety, said Sheikh Moniruzzaman, a forest official of the Satkhira zone.
"We have already conducted awareness campaigns among locals, urging everyone to behave properly with tourists and offer assistance whenever necessary," he added.
He stated that immediate action will be taken if any security disruption occurs.
Warning for fishermen
Md Mashiur Rahman, assistant conservator of forests for the Satkhira Range, said fishermen are entering the Sundarbans after obtaining permits from the Forest Department.
They have been warned against engaging in criminal activities inside the forest, he added.
Legal action will be taken against anyone involved in activities such as fishing with poison or hunting deer, he warned.
