Sundarbans: Under the ongoing “Operation Mangrove Shield,” the Bangladesh Coast Guard has successfully rescued two fishermen who were held hostage by the notorious Boro Jahangir gang in separate drives in the Sundarbans. They also arrested an active member of the infamous Doyal gang, recovering arms and ammunition in the process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed the information on Friday evening. He noted that under direct instructions from the Home Minister, the Coast Guard has taken a firm stance against all forest-based criminal groups operating in the Sundarbans region. As part of this effort, two special operations-“Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”-are currently underway.
During the operations, the Coast Guard rescued two fishermen and a fishing boat from the custody of the Boro Jahangir gang. The pirates fled into the forest upon sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, leaving the hostages behind. The fishermen had been abducted on April 15 while fishing near Shuyormara canal in the Joymonighol area under Mongla Police Station. They were tortured in captivity in an attempt to extort ransom. Following intelligence surveillance, the Coast Guard confirmed the location of the hostages and carried out a special operation by Coast Guard Base Mongla on April 16 around 4 pm in the Murti canal area, leading to their rescue.
In a separate drive, based on secret information, the Coast Guard learned that members of the Doyal gang had taken position near Hogoldara canal under Shyamnagar Police Station. Acting on this tip-off, Coast Guard Station Koikhali conducted another drive in the area at around 6 am on Friday. During this operation, the criminals attempted to flee but were chased by the Coast Guard forces, resulting in the arrest of an active member of the Doyal gang along with two single-barrel guns and nine rounds of live cartridges. The arrested individual, identified as Tarikul, 35, is a resident of Koyra Police Station in Khulna district and had long been involved in piracy activities as a member of the Doyal gang.
Legal procedures regarding the arrested person and the seized arms and ammunition are underway, while the rescued fishermen are being handed over to their families. The Coast Guard official also reaffirmed that such operations will continue in the future to make the Sundarbans completely free from pirates.