Coast Guard detains top pirate, kills associate during raid in Sundarbans

The Coast Guard apprehended two pirates and killed one of their associates in a gunbattle the criminals had started, during a special operation deep inside the Sundarbans under Khulna district on 25-26 June.

A cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered during the two-day raid, confirmed Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon on Saturday.

All the pirates belonged to the notorious "Dulabhai Bahini," he told reporters at a briefing.

Under the directives of the current government, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has been conducting two special operations to eliminate all pirate gangs active in the Sundarbans and ensure the safety of forest dwellers, fishermen, and coastal communities, the media officer said.

As part of "Operation Mangrove Shield," personnel received intelligence reports that members of the "Dulabhai Bahini" were hiding deep inside the Sundarbans near Bonpara under Koyra Police Station in Khulna district.

Tipped off, the Bangladesh Coast Guard Base Mongla, Station Koyra, and Station Nalian launched a special two-day operation in the area beginning at 5:00pm on 25 June.

During the operation, Coast Guard personnel identified two boats carrying the pirates and signaled them to stop. The pirates ignored the signal and opened fire on the Coast Guard members. In self-defense, the Coast Guard returned fire, triggering an intense gun battle. During the exchange, one of the pirates' boats caught fire while the other sank.

After the gunfight, Coast Guard personnel searched the area and apprehended the notorious gang leader, Robiul Islam, and pirate Shawkat Sardar with gunshot injuries. They were rushed to Koyra Upazila Health Complex, where the attending physician declared Shawkat Sardar dead. Following primary treatment, gang leader Robiul Islam was referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Meanwhile, a joint operation involving the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Bangladesh Police continued to capture the fleeing pirates. As part of the drive, pirate Israfil Hawlader was apprehended with a gunshot wound to his finger in a joint operation conducted with the assistance of local residents near the Mathbaria Police Outpost. He was subsequently admitted to Koyra Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

During a search operation in the Besukhali area of the Arshibasa River, Coast Guard personnel also recovered six single-barrel guns, 69 rounds of live ammunition, three spent cartridges, one locally made weapon, one mobile phone, and one wristwatch.

The arrested gang leader, Robiul Islam, 50, the deceased pirate Shawkat Sardar, 55, are both residents of Koyra Police Station in Khulna district, and the arrested pirate Israfil Hawlader, 26, is a resident of Ashashuni Police Station in Satkhira district.

The arrested pirates and the recovered arms and ammunition were handed over to Koyra Police Station for further legal action, while the body of the deceased pirate was sent for an autopsy.