The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued five fishermen held hostage by the Sattar pirate gang and recovered nine firearms and ammunition during two separate operations in the Sundarbans in Khulna today (3 November).
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed the information on Tuesday afternoon, according to a press release.
He said the Coast Guard was conducting two special operations, “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”, to eliminate active pirate gangs in the Sundarbans and ensure security in coastal areas.
Acting on intelligence, the Coast Guard learnt that members of the Sattar gang had taken several fishermen hostage near Gandhar Khal along the Arshipasa River in the Sundarbans under Koyra Police Station in Khulna, intending to extort ransom.
Following the information, personnel from Coast Guard stations Koyra and Dobeki conducted a special operation in the area around 4am today.
Sensing the presence of Coast Guard personnel, the pirates abandoned the hostages and fled deep into the forest. As a result, no gang members could be arrested.
During a subsequent search, Coast Guard personnel recovered four locally made one-shot guns, six live cartridges and 13 spent cartridges from a dinghy. They also rescued the five fishermen held hostage by the gang.
In a separate operation, the Coast Guard received intelligence that a group of suspected pirates was staying near Kumrokhali Khal in the Sundarbans under Dacope Police Station in Khulna, allegedly preparing to commit robbery.
Based on the information, personnel from Coast Guard Base Mongla and Coast Guard Station Nalian conducted a special operation in the area around 11am today.
However, the suspected pirates fled deep into the forest after detecting the presence of Coast Guard personnel. None of the suspects could be arrested or identified.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of four single-barrel guns, one .22-calibre firearm, 20 live cartridges, 52 rounds of .22-calibre ammunition and two magazines, which had been concealed.
The rescued fishermen were identified as Jahurul Islam, 27, Faruk Gazi, 42, Rezaul Karim, 26, Nurul Huda, 23, and Hasan Gazi, 27. All five are residents of Koyra in Khulna.
The Coast Guard said legal procedures concerning the seized firearms and ammunition were underway, while arrangements were being made to hand over the rescued fishermen to their families.
The force expressed optimism that the Sundarbans could be made free of piracy through government directives, public cooperation and coordinated efforts involving other law enforcement agencies.
Lieutenant Mir Akib Mostafiz, executive officer of BCGS Touhid, briefed journalists on the operations.
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