The Coast Guard today (17 March) rescued six fishermen who were held captive allegedly by a pirate group in the Sundarbans.
The rescued fishermen are Rafiqul, 30, Alamin, 26, and Ismail Shana, 24, from Koyra upazila of Khulna, and Ramzan Ali, 36, Rezwan, 22, and Mia Raj,18, from Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira.
Confirming the matter, Lieutenant Ashikul Islam Imon, executive officer of warship BCGS Taufiq, said, “Acting on a tip-off, members of the Coast Guard West Zone, Mongla, conducted a drive this morning in the Kali Khal area adjacent to the Shibsa River in the Sundarbans and rescued the fishermen.
“The fishermen will be handed over to their families after completing legal formalities,” he added.
According to the Coast Guard, the six fishermen were abducted on 7 March while fishing and catching crabs in the Sundarbans by members of the “Nana Bhai Bahini,” a known pirate group. The pirates reportedly demanded ransom for their release.
Authorities said they received a tip-off through the Coast Guard emergency hotline (16111), informing that the fishermen were being held and tortured for ransom. Based on further intelligence, a drive was launched in the area.
Sensing the presence of Coast Guard personnel, the pirates fled into the forest, leaving the captives behind. However, no members of the pirate group could be apprehended.
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