Khulna: Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) have detained four associates of the notorious pirate group “Chhoto Suman Bahini” in a pre-dawn operation in the Sundarbans. The apprehended individuals, identified as Md. Billal Hossain, Md. Robiul Sheikh, Md. Jinnat Hawlader, and Md. Kalam Gazi, hail from various locations in the Khulna and Bagerhat districts, as confirmed by Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque of BCG (Media).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the BCG Mongla Outpost, acting on a tip-off, launched a raid near the Chhoto Padma canal adjacent to the Pashur River under the Chandpai range of the eastern Sundarbans. The gang was reportedly attempting to abduct local fishermen when the operation was conducted. The Coast Guard team recovered one single-barrel gun, four live cartridges, and four empty cartridges during the raid.
BCG officials have indicated that the detained individuals were long-standing members of the pirate group, involved in robberies and the supply of arms and logistics. In a separate operation, the BCG Kaikhali Station apprehended a suspected drug peddler in the Government Mohsin College area of Shyamnagar upazila, Satkhira district. The authorities seized 50 Yaba tablets valued at approximately Taka 25,000 and Taka 17,580 in cash.
Meanwhile, based on secret information, the BCG Rupsha Outpost conducted a raid in the Lobonchora Switch Gate area, resulting in the arrest of a teenage gang member. The team confiscated four locally-made weapons and a significant amount of cannabis from this individual.
Lt. Commander Siam-ul-Haque confirmed the arrests and seizures, noting that legal actions are underway. Lt. Md. Khalid Saifullah, navigating officer of the Coast Guard vessel BSCGS Shadhin Bangla, stated that Coast Guard units, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, remain vigilant in their efforts to combat piracy in the Sundarbans.
“We are determined to eradicate piracy from the Sundarbans. The Coast Guard will continue operations to keep the forest and coastal regions free of both pirates and drugs,” he asserted.