Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna :
On demand of ransom, at least thirteen fishermen were abducted from Sundarbans in two days difference by a forest robber gang named ” Kajol Bahini”. Among them seven were abducted on Sunday and six others were abducted on the next day on Monday.
Sources said, on Sunday, some fishermen went for collecting crabs in the river Maloncho in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans. All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Kajol Bahini” swooped on them and abducted seven fishermen on demand of ransom.
The abducted fishermen are- Rashedul Islam, 28, son of Montaz Gazi, Biswanath Sana, 27, son of Devendro Sana, Biswa Mondol,20, son of Monoronjon Mondol, Joydev mondol, 25, son of Sujir Mondol, Poritosh Mondol, 24, son of Fakir Mondol, Masum Gazi, 23, son of Meher Ali Gazi and Romesh Mondol, 20, son of Fonindro Mondol.
A fisherman who managed to escape from the spot informed the matter of abduction of his fellow fishermen.
On the next day ,i,e, on Monday, six others fishermen were abducted on demand of ransom by the same pirate gang from Chaltebaria canal in the Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans.
The abducted fishermen are- Abdul Mozid Gazi,33, son of Hossain Gazi, Syed Ali Gazi, 40, son of late Entaj Gazi,Bashuram Bhangi,39, son of Anil Bhangi, Liakot Gzai, 45, son of Dawood Gazi,Mofizul Gazi,35 and Shohag Hossain, 25, son of Fazlu Gazi.
Some fishermen who managed to flee from the scene informed the matter of fishermen abduction.They also went to Chaltebaria canal with a view to collect crabs after taking legal passes from the forest Division.
Nasiruddin Ahmed, Kadomtala station officer of Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans ascertained the matter of the abduction to the journalists.
Earlier, some 17 fishermen were abducted by forest robbers from Sundarbans within three days difference from Harbaria area in Mongla upazila and North Rajapur area in Sharonkhola, adjacent to the Sundarbans. Forest robbers also looted fishes worth about Taka 3 lakh from the fishermen.
Sources said, some fishermen went for fishing at North Rajapur area in Sharonkhola upazila of Bagerhat district, adjacent to the Sundarbans on Monday (January 8,2018). All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Chhoto Bahini” swooped on them, beat them ruthlessly, looted fishes worth about Taka three lacs and abducted seven fishermen on demand of ransom. They were purloined from Kakramari and Tambulbunia areas.
Before one day on Sunday(January 7,2018) two others fishermen were also abducted from Aruabua area by the same pirate gang.
On the other hand, some other fishermen went for catching crabs at Harbaria area in Mongla upazila on December 31, 2018 while a forest robber gang named Mosharaf Bahini attacked upon them and abducted 14 fishermen. Four of them were managed to escape from the forest robbers after giving ransom. 10 of the fishermen are still confined under the custody of the forest robber gang named Mosharaf Bahini till filing this report at around 2.45 pm on Tuesday ( January 9, 2018).
Besides, in the month of November, 2017, some 23 fishermen were abducted by a forest robber gang on Saturday from deep sea of the Bay from Bangabandhur Char near at Dublarchar area adjacent to the Sundarbans. On Sunday night, Kamal Uddin, General Secretary of Dublarchar Fishermen Group informed this matter to the journalists.
GS Kamal said, some fishermen went for fishing in the area of the Bay on Saturday. All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Baro Bhai Bahini” swooped on them, beat them mercilessly and abducted at least 23 fishermen on demand of ransom of Taka 2 lacs per head and thereafter they went away by looting fishing trawlers from the fishermen.
Among the 23 persons, 17 are the inhabitants of Chakla area in Koyra upazila of Khulna district and the rest 6 are hailing from different areas of Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district. The details information and identification of the abducted persons could not be ascertained immediately.
It is mentionable in this connection that on November 6, 2017 (Monday) at least 10 fishermen were abducted from Dhanghara canal area of Kalagachhia river in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans.
During that period, one of the fishermen who managed to escape from the spot had said, on Monday morning, some fishermen went for fishing in Dhanghara canal of the river Kalagachhia in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans. Suddenlys, a forest robber gang named “Jonab Bahini” had swooped on them, beat them ruthlessly and abducted at least 10 fishermen on demand o ransom.
The fishermen who managed to flee from the spot of abduction told the matter to the journalists on Monday evening.
The abducted persons are- Abdul Karim, son of Abdus Gafur, Tonmoy Mollick, son of Goyeswar Mollick, Imrul Gazi, son of Afsar Gazi, Selim Gazi, son of Foni Gazi, Dalim Gazi, son of Halim Gazi, Monirul Islam, son of late Noor Ali Gazi, Abdus Samad Gazi, son of Abdul Khalek Gazi, Abdur Rahman, son of Surat Ali, Mujibar Gazi, son of Sakat Gazi and Rahman Gazi, son of Zindar Gazi.
Belal Hossain, Burigoalini Forest station Officer said, We have heard the news of fishermen abduction. However, nobody has given allegation in this regard, he added.
It is mentionable in this connection that on September 20 & 21, 2017, at least 25 fishermen were abducted by two forest robber gangs in two days (Tuesday & Wednesday) from two different places of the East Sundarbans. Members of coastguard had conducted operation for rescuing the abducted fishermen during that period.
Some fishermen who managed to escape from the spot said, on Tuesday dawn some fishermen went for fishing at Nolbunia Horintana area in Swaronkhola upazila. All on sudden, a forest robber gang named Baro Bhai Bahini swooped on them, beat them mercilessly, looted taka and rice and abducted at least 20 fishermen on demand of ransom. Reidents of the abducted fishermen are at Rosulpur village in the Upazila, said a fishermen. However, the injured fishermen took treatment from Upazila Health Complex.
On the other hand, on Wednesday morning, some fishermen went for fishing at Tambulbunia area in Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans. Suddenly, another forest robber gang named Sumon Bahini attacked the fishermen, demanded extortion and abducted 5 fishermen. Residents of the abducted fishermen are at Sonatala village of the Upazila. said a fish trader.
It is also mentionable in this connection that earlier, from August11 to 15 ( In 5 days) at least 30 fishermen were abducted by an unidentified forest robber gang from the same area while only four fishermen could be rescued.
Some returned fishermen and victimized persons said, some fishermen went for fishing at dead night on Sunday at Horintana and Kalamula rivers in the west Sundarbans. They were busy in fishing. All on a sudden, an unidentified forest robber gang along with sharp weapons swooped on them and beat them mercilessly. Thereafter, on demand of ransom, the pirate gang abducted 10 fishermen from 10 boats.
It is mentionable in this connection that ten fishermen were again abducted by forest robbers from the Sundarbans by a forest robber gang named Robiul Bahini from the river Mathabhanga, goalkhali area in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira district.
During that period, three person’s identification was learnt and the three others acquaintance could not be ascertained still.
Those who were abducted at that time are-Abdus Salam Sardar,35, son of late Abdul Sardar, Ramjan Ali, 40, son of late Azimuddin, resident of village Parshekhali in Shyamnagar upazila and Niranjan Mondol of village Keoratala in the same upazila.
One of the fishermen who managed to escape from the spot told this correspondent that the fishermen went to Goalkhali area with a view to fishing on Wednesday morning. All on a sudden, a forest gang named “Robiul Bahini” attacked on them and abducted at least five fishermen.
However, due to repeated abduction of fishermen by the different pirate gangs who are still active in the Sundarbans, the forest-depended persons are in fear and they can not go to fishing to maintain their families.
Despite several surrendering and killing forest robbers in gunfight with law enforcers, different pirate gangs are still active in the Sundarbans. More than once, different robber gangs surrendered before the Home Minister and drives are going on against the pirates, but the rest members of those gangs have been making new gangs who are ferociously active in the Sundarbans. Recently two pirates were killed in a gunfight in Barguna adjacent to the Sundarbans. Besides, so many forest robbers were killed at several periods at several places adjacent to the Sundarbans in different gunfights with the members of law enforcers including Rab, Police and Coastguard. But new pirate gangs have created in the mean time who are still committing their misdeeds such as abduction of fishermen, looting valuable goods and realizing ransom, sources said.
Crab collecting season already started in the Sundarbans, but the crab collectors are in fear of attack of pirates.
At least 60 fishermen were abducted from Koyala area of the Bay of Bengal by the forest robber gang ‘Alim Bahini’ and this occurrence created agitation among the administrations.
Officials of the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-6) said, members of Rab-6 arrested three ferocious robbers of Alim Bahini from Sharonkhola range of the Sundarbans on along with some fire arms on December 4, 2016. On the same day a fisherman who managed to escape from the scene told the journalists that 60 fishermen were abducted on demand of ransom by the forest robber gang named ‘Alim Bahini’. Residents of the abducted fishermen are at different places of Patuakhali and Chittagong.
Maksudul Alam, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) of Satkhira range of the Sundarbans said. activities of the piracy has been continuing in the Sundarbans area.
Fishermen sources said, pirates swoop on them while fishing and loot trawlers and goods belonged to them and there after they demand ransom huge amount of taka.
On demand of ransom, at least thirteen fishermen were abducted from Sundarbans in two days difference by a forest robber gang named ” Kajol Bahini”. Among them seven were abducted on Sunday and six others were abducted on the next day on Monday.
Sources said, on Sunday, some fishermen went for collecting crabs in the river Maloncho in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans. All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Kajol Bahini” swooped on them and abducted seven fishermen on demand of ransom.
The abducted fishermen are- Rashedul Islam, 28, son of Montaz Gazi, Biswanath Sana, 27, son of Devendro Sana, Biswa Mondol,20, son of Monoronjon Mondol, Joydev mondol, 25, son of Sujir Mondol, Poritosh Mondol, 24, son of Fakir Mondol, Masum Gazi, 23, son of Meher Ali Gazi and Romesh Mondol, 20, son of Fonindro Mondol.
A fisherman who managed to escape from the spot informed the matter of abduction of his fellow fishermen.
On the next day ,i,e, on Monday, six others fishermen were abducted on demand of ransom by the same pirate gang from Chaltebaria canal in the Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans.
The abducted fishermen are- Abdul Mozid Gazi,33, son of Hossain Gazi, Syed Ali Gazi, 40, son of late Entaj Gazi,Bashuram Bhangi,39, son of Anil Bhangi, Liakot Gzai, 45, son of Dawood Gazi,Mofizul Gazi,35 and Shohag Hossain, 25, son of Fazlu Gazi.
Some fishermen who managed to flee from the scene informed the matter of fishermen abduction.They also went to Chaltebaria canal with a view to collect crabs after taking legal passes from the forest Division.
Nasiruddin Ahmed, Kadomtala station officer of Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans ascertained the matter of the abduction to the journalists.
Earlier, some 17 fishermen were abducted by forest robbers from Sundarbans within three days difference from Harbaria area in Mongla upazila and North Rajapur area in Sharonkhola, adjacent to the Sundarbans. Forest robbers also looted fishes worth about Taka 3 lakh from the fishermen.
Sources said, some fishermen went for fishing at North Rajapur area in Sharonkhola upazila of Bagerhat district, adjacent to the Sundarbans on Monday (January 8,2018). All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Chhoto Bahini” swooped on them, beat them ruthlessly, looted fishes worth about Taka three lacs and abducted seven fishermen on demand of ransom. They were purloined from Kakramari and Tambulbunia areas.
Before one day on Sunday(January 7,2018) two others fishermen were also abducted from Aruabua area by the same pirate gang.
On the other hand, some other fishermen went for catching crabs at Harbaria area in Mongla upazila on December 31, 2018 while a forest robber gang named Mosharaf Bahini attacked upon them and abducted 14 fishermen. Four of them were managed to escape from the forest robbers after giving ransom. 10 of the fishermen are still confined under the custody of the forest robber gang named Mosharaf Bahini till filing this report at around 2.45 pm on Tuesday ( January 9, 2018).
Besides, in the month of November, 2017, some 23 fishermen were abducted by a forest robber gang on Saturday from deep sea of the Bay from Bangabandhur Char near at Dublarchar area adjacent to the Sundarbans. On Sunday night, Kamal Uddin, General Secretary of Dublarchar Fishermen Group informed this matter to the journalists.
GS Kamal said, some fishermen went for fishing in the area of the Bay on Saturday. All on a sudden, a forest robber gang named “Baro Bhai Bahini” swooped on them, beat them mercilessly and abducted at least 23 fishermen on demand of ransom of Taka 2 lacs per head and thereafter they went away by looting fishing trawlers from the fishermen.
Among the 23 persons, 17 are the inhabitants of Chakla area in Koyra upazila of Khulna district and the rest 6 are hailing from different areas of Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district. The details information and identification of the abducted persons could not be ascertained immediately.
It is mentionable in this connection that on November 6, 2017 (Monday) at least 10 fishermen were abducted from Dhanghara canal area of Kalagachhia river in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans.
During that period, one of the fishermen who managed to escape from the spot had said, on Monday morning, some fishermen went for fishing in Dhanghara canal of the river Kalagachhia in Satkhira Range of the Sundarbans. Suddenlys, a forest robber gang named “Jonab Bahini” had swooped on them, beat them ruthlessly and abducted at least 10 fishermen on demand o ransom.
The fishermen who managed to flee from the spot of abduction told the matter to the journalists on Monday evening.
The abducted persons are- Abdul Karim, son of Abdus Gafur, Tonmoy Mollick, son of Goyeswar Mollick, Imrul Gazi, son of Afsar Gazi, Selim Gazi, son of Foni Gazi, Dalim Gazi, son of Halim Gazi, Monirul Islam, son of late Noor Ali Gazi, Abdus Samad Gazi, son of Abdul Khalek Gazi, Abdur Rahman, son of Surat Ali, Mujibar Gazi, son of Sakat Gazi and Rahman Gazi, son of Zindar Gazi.
Belal Hossain, Burigoalini Forest station Officer said, We have heard the news of fishermen abduction. However, nobody has given allegation in this regard, he added.
It is mentionable in this connection that on September 20 & 21, 2017, at least 25 fishermen were abducted by two forest robber gangs in two days (Tuesday & Wednesday) from two different places of the East Sundarbans. Members of coastguard had conducted operation for rescuing the abducted fishermen during that period.
Some fishermen who managed to escape from the spot said, on Tuesday dawn some fishermen went for fishing at Nolbunia Horintana area in Swaronkhola upazila. All on sudden, a forest robber gang named Baro Bhai Bahini swooped on them, beat them mercilessly, looted taka and rice and abducted at least 20 fishermen on demand of ransom. Reidents of the abducted fishermen are at Rosulpur village in the Upazila, said a fishermen. However, the injured fishermen took treatment from Upazila Health Complex.
On the other hand, on Wednesday morning, some fishermen went for fishing at Tambulbunia area in Chandpai Range of the Sundarbans. Suddenly, another forest robber gang named Sumon Bahini attacked the fishermen, demanded extortion and abducted 5 fishermen. Residents of the abducted fishermen are at Sonatala village of the Upazila. said a fish trader.
It is also mentionable in this connection that earlier, from August11 to 15 ( In 5 days) at least 30 fishermen were abducted by an unidentified forest robber gang from the same area while only four fishermen could be rescued.
Some returned fishermen and victimized persons said, some fishermen went for fishing at dead night on Sunday at Horintana and Kalamula rivers in the west Sundarbans. They were busy in fishing. All on a sudden, an unidentified forest robber gang along with sharp weapons swooped on them and beat them mercilessly. Thereafter, on demand of ransom, the pirate gang abducted 10 fishermen from 10 boats.
It is mentionable in this connection that ten fishermen were again abducted by forest robbers from the Sundarbans by a forest robber gang named Robiul Bahini from the river Mathabhanga, goalkhali area in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira district.
During that period, three person’s identification was learnt and the three others acquaintance could not be ascertained still.
Those who were abducted at that time are-Abdus Salam Sardar,35, son of late Abdul Sardar, Ramjan Ali, 40, son of late Azimuddin, resident of village Parshekhali in Shyamnagar upazila and Niranjan Mondol of village Keoratala in the same upazila.
One of the fishermen who managed to escape from the spot told this correspondent that the fishermen went to Goalkhali area with a view to fishing on Wednesday morning. All on a sudden, a forest gang named “Robiul Bahini” attacked on them and abducted at least five fishermen.
However, due to repeated abduction of fishermen by the different pirate gangs who are still active in the Sundarbans, the forest-depended persons are in fear and they can not go to fishing to maintain their families.
Despite several surrendering and killing forest robbers in gunfight with law enforcers, different pirate gangs are still active in the Sundarbans. More than once, different robber gangs surrendered before the Home Minister and drives are going on against the pirates, but the rest members of those gangs have been making new gangs who are ferociously active in the Sundarbans. Recently two pirates were killed in a gunfight in Barguna adjacent to the Sundarbans. Besides, so many forest robbers were killed at several periods at several places adjacent to the Sundarbans in different gunfights with the members of law enforcers including Rab, Police and Coastguard. But new pirate gangs have created in the mean time who are still committing their misdeeds such as abduction of fishermen, looting valuable goods and realizing ransom, sources said.
Crab collecting season already started in the Sundarbans, but the crab collectors are in fear of attack of pirates.
At least 60 fishermen were abducted from Koyala area of the Bay of Bengal by the forest robber gang ‘Alim Bahini’ and this occurrence created agitation among the administrations.
Officials of the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-6) said, members of Rab-6 arrested three ferocious robbers of Alim Bahini from Sharonkhola range of the Sundarbans on along with some fire arms on December 4, 2016. On the same day a fisherman who managed to escape from the scene told the journalists that 60 fishermen were abducted on demand of ransom by the forest robber gang named ‘Alim Bahini’. Residents of the abducted fishermen are at different places of Patuakhali and Chittagong.
Maksudul Alam, Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) of Satkhira range of the Sundarbans said. activities of the piracy has been continuing in the Sundarbans area.
Fishermen sources said, pirates swoop on them while fishing and loot trawlers and goods belonged to them and there after they demand ransom huge amount of taka.
