The Bangladesh Coast Guard has launched a special operation to strengthen security in the Sundarbans and adjoining coastal areas.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed the development at a press briefing on Sunday noon.
He said the Coast Guard, since its inception, has been playing a vital role in maintaining law and order in coastal and riverine regions, preventing smuggling, conserving wildlife and fisheries resources, and providing humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. The force has also been actively engaged in suppressing piracy and forest-based criminal gangs in the Sundarbans while ensuring the safety of fishermen, according to a press release.
According to official data, over the past one and a half years, a total of 61 members of various pirate groups—including those led by Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhota Suman, Alif and Asabur—have been arrested. During this period, authorities recovered 80 firearms and 599 rounds of ammunition, and rescued 78 fishermen and three tourists alive.
In wildlife protection efforts, 944kg of deer meat, 900 traps, and 29 poachers were seized. Additionally, a large quantity of illegal fishing nets worth approximately Tk1,806 crore was confiscated.
The media officer said that taking advantage of the deployment of law enforcement personnel during the 13th National Parliament elections, certain criminal groups have attempted to re-establish their activities in the Sundarbans.
Under the directives of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, a “zero tolerance” policy has been adopted against such criminal groups. Joint operations—“Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”—have been carried out under Coast Guard leadership.
He added that coordination among the Coast Guard, Navy, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police and the Forest Department has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of anti-banditry efforts. All agencies are continuing joint drives to eliminate criminal networks from the Sundarbans.
As part of the ongoing operation, intelligence surveillance has been intensified in key areas including Harbaria, Kaikhali, Koyra, Nalian, Mandarbari and Shyamnagar in Satkhira.
The Coast Guard said that due to sustained operations, the influence of bandits has declined, extortion has decreased, and overall law and order has improved in the Sundarbans. Regular patrols and intelligence-led drives have helped restore confidence among local residents.
The force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring security, protecting forest resources, and safeguarding lives and property in coastal regions, adding that round-the-clock operations will continue until the Sundarbans is declared free of bandit activity.
