Mongla:Bangladesh Coast Guard successfully recovered a significant cache of firearms and ammunition during a special operation in the Sundarbans, located in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operation was disclosed today by Lt Commander Shawkat Ahmed, BN, Staff Officer (Operations) of Coast Guard Western Zone, during a briefing at the Coast Guard headquarters in Mongla. The operation was initiated after the Coast Guard received intelligence that a group of robbers was planning a robbery near the Shela River Forest Office area under Mongla Police Station.
The special operation, conducted by Coast Guard Base Mongla, commenced around 8pm on October 7. Upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, the robbers escaped into the dense forest, evading arrest and identification.
During a subsequent search, Coast Guard personnel recovered six single-barrel guns, three air guns, one pipe-gun trigger, and 14 rounds of live ammunition concealed in the area. Legal proceedings concerning the seized arms and ammunition are currently underway.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon stated that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is engaged in ongoing operations, "Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans" and "Operation Mangrove Shield," as directed by the government. These efforts aim to dismantle active pirate groups and ensure security in the coastal regions. The Coast Guard is optimistic that, with governmental directives, public support, and coordinated law-enforcement efforts, the Sundarbans will eventually be free of pirate activities.