A suspected forest pirate was killed and two others, including the ringleader of notorious ‘Dulabhai Bahini’, were arrested following a gunfight with the Bangladesh Coast Guard during a two-day anti-piracy operation in the Sundarbans.
The operation, conducted under Operation Mangrove Shield, targeted armed pirate groups operating in the world's largest mangrove forest to improve security for fishermen, forest workers and coastal communities, officials said on Saturday.
According to Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, personnel from Coast Guard bases in Mongla, Koyra and Nalian launched the operation on June 25 after receiving intelligence that members of ‘Dulabhai Bahini’ were hiding deep inside the forest near Bonpara in Koyra upazila.
Officials said Coast Guard patrols intercepted two boats carrying the suspects. After the boats ignored orders to stop and opened fire, Coast Guard personnel returned fire in what authorities described as self-defense. During the exchange of gunfire, one boat caught fire while the other sank.
Security forces later recovered six single-barrel shotguns, one locally-made firearm, 69 rounds of live ammunition, three spent cartridges, a mobile phone, and a wristwatch.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as gang leader Robiul Islam, 50, of Koyra, and Israfil Hawlader, 26, of Ashashuni. Another suspect, Shawkat Sardar, 55, also from Koyra, was taken to Koyra Upazila Health Complex with gunshot wounds, where doctors declared him dead. Robiul was transferred to Khulna Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
However, Shawkat's family rejected the Coast Guard's claim that he was a pirate. They alleged he had been abducted by the gang and held for ransom after a dispute involving his son. Local residents and a union council member also said Shawkat had been taken hostage by the group over an alleged financial dispute rather than being an active member.
The Coast Guard said joint operations with police are continuing to capture remaining suspects and dismantle pirate networks in the Sundarbans. An investigation into the incident is underway.
