UNB, Bagerhat :At least 100 fishermen were abducted by two pirate gangs from different areas between Swarankhola and Chandpai ranges of the Sundarbans East Zone in the district on Wednesday.Talking to reporters on their return from fishing in different area of the Sundarbans on Thursday, some fishermen of Rayenda and Southkhali union parishads, preferring not to be named, claimed that members of ‘Jahangir Bahini’ – a pirate gang – numbering 20-22 attacked some boats of the fishermen while they were catching crabs in Moronbhola, Barsir Khal, Alibanda, Johormoni and Tafalbari areas of Swarankhola range of the forest on Wednesday night.The pirates beat the fishermen and abducted some 70 fishermen, demanding ransom for their release.Meanwhile, fishermen who returned from Tambulbunia, Shantir Khal and Nishanbaria areas of Chandpai range claimed that members of ‘Nayan Bahini’ – another pirate gang – numbering 15-20 attacked the fishing boats on the same night and abducted some 30 fishermen for ransom.Earlier on December 7, members of Nayan Bahini allegedly abducted 40 fishermen for ransom while they were fishing in the Sundarbans.Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Zone M Sahidul Islam said they have been informed of the abduction of the fishermen and taking necessary steps in this connection.General Commander of Coast Guard, Mongla (East Zone) Captain Mehedi Masud said he has heard about the abduction incidents through journalists.
