Sundarbans: Seven members of the notorious 'Chhoto Suman Bahini', including its leader Suman Hawlader, have surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard with arms and ammunition in the Sundarbans area under Mongla upazila of Bagerhat district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the pirates surrendered near Nandabala Khal in the Sundarbans under Mongla Police Station around 11 pm, as stated by Coast Guard West Zone Commander Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam during a press briefing. The individuals who surrendered are identified as Suman Hawlader, aged 32, Rabiul Mallik, 25, Rafiq Sheikh, 29, Siddiq Hawlader, 40, Golam Mallik, 38, and Ismail Khan, 31.
During the surrender operation, the Coast Guard seized three locally-made single-barrel guns, two pipe guns, 25 rounds of live cartridges, and three rounds of blank cartridges. Captain Mesbaul Islam highlighted that the gang had a history of involvement in robbery, abduction of fishermen and forest workers, and extortion in the Sundarbans region.
Legal procedures regarding the seized arms and ammunition are currently underway, and initiatives are being taken for the rehabilitation of the surrendered pirates. The Coast Guard official further alleged that certain vested groups are attempting to spread misleading information to tarnish the image of the force and question its anti-crime operations. He assured that no propaganda or misinformation campaign would hinder the ongoing operations and anti-piracy efforts of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
Captain Islam urged all active pirates in the Sundarbans to surrender immediately in alignment with the government's 'zero tolerance' policy, emphasizing that surrendered pirates would receive rehabilitation opportunities, while stricter actions would be enforced against those continuing with criminal activities.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon stated that the force has been carrying out two special drives - 'Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans' and 'Operation Mangrove Shield' - to eradicate piracy in the forest region and ensure the safety of fishermen, honey collectors, woodcutters, and other forest-dependent people. Since February 12 this year, the Coast Guard has recovered 26 local and foreign firearms, 10 rounds of bullets, 178 rounds of live cartridges, 25 rounds of blank cartridges, 187 rounds of airgun pellets, and two walkie-talkies during various operations.
Additionally, 21 forest pirates have been arrested, and 20 abducted individuals have been rescued and safely reunited with their families after receiving necessary medical treatment. Coast Guard officials expressed optimism that coordinated efforts by the government, law enforcement agencies, and local communities would help render the Sundarbans completely free from piracy.