Residents of Monpura and Tajumuddin, two remote shoals on a Meghna River estuary, are dreading the return of pirates with the removal of a coast guard station and Coastal Crisis Management Centre (CCMC).
The measure leaves about 200 square kilometres of Bay of Bengal, a popular fishing area during the monsoon, vulnerable to pirates who abduct and kill fishermen for ransom.
There are about 10 shoals and eight mangrove forests around Hatia, Tajumuddin and Monpura upazilas. Exploiting their remoteness, pirates often loot, abduct and hold fishermen hostage in the adjacent forests.
However, with the coast guard station and the crisis management centre on Dhalchar, crime rates decreased significantly.
The coast guard station was established in 2013 to curb piracy and ensure safety for the fishermen and hundreds of shoal residents. The crisis centre was set up with support from the US government after former chairman of Monpura Upazila Parishad (UP) Kamal Uddin Chowdhury donated a piece of land to the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
The coast guard station was suddenly withdrawn from Dhalchar in January this year. The crisis centre was transferred to Ramnabad area of Kolapara upazila of Patuakhali.
This has enraged the shoal residents who have been staging demonstrations against the decision. Fishermen, farmers and general people feared that the area would again turn into a safe haven for pirates.
Char Dampayer, commonly known as Dhalchar, of Monpura upazila is home to some 3,000 people, most of whom rely on fishing and agriculture for their livelihood.
Belayet Hossain, 70, a resident said the shoal was a regular victim of piracy. “Some politically powerful people support these pirates. They not only loot our boats and equipment but also abduct us and demand ransom.”
Fisherman Kader of Taluk village said: “I have been fishing in the river for the last 14 years. The situation was really bad before. But since the coast guard station was set up, abductions came down significantly. But I am afraid it will just get worse now.”
Another concern for the villagers is the safety of their female population. Many villagers alleged that pirates kidnapped their women and raped them.
Nasima, a housewife of Dhalchar said they were scared of pirates, who would attack their homes at night and kidnap the women.
Sakina Bibi was abandoned by her husband after she was picked up and raped by the pirates. “I was violated four times in the last 10 years. I am yet to get justice. It is not only about me but many women have faced similar harassment.”
Two years ago, pirates kidnapped Motahar’s wife, who has not been found since. “Pirates rob us during the day, and then pick up our women at night. We are afraid that the situation would deteriorate now that the coast guard station has been removed.”
When contacted, Commander of South Zone of Bangladesh Coast Guard, Captain Kawser Alam, said the Dhalchar station was withdrawn as per the directive of the headquarters and the ministry. He refused to give any more details.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Monpura, Ershad Hossain Khan acknowledged the vulnerable situation of Dhalchar.
“It is important to ensure the safety of residents and the fishermen. I will ask the authorities to establishing a police camp in the area,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Bhola, Md Selim Reza reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure safety of the char residents and said the law enforcers had been given directives in this regard.