Piracy in the Sundarbans: ‘Had to pay Tk20,000 for a 10-taka note’

"Those going into the Sundarbans for 10 to 15 days had to buy a 5-taka note token for a lump sum of Tk70,000, valid for three months. Another gang charges Tk102,000 and hands over a 10-taka note token. The gangs have divided the Sundarbans among themselves."

These were the words of Kamrul Islam, who has been fishing in the Sundarbans for nearly 30 years.

He and other forest-dwellers whose livelihoods rely on the Sundarbans alleged that, besides obtaining official government permits, they now have to pay hefty sums to forest robbers to secure clearance passes before entering the mangrove. Multiple armed gangs are actively operating in the forest, practically establishing their control over the area.

Conversations with forest-goers in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira revealed deep anxiety, panic, and livelihood uncertainty due to rising incidents of oppression, kidnappings, and extortion by armed pirate syndicates.

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Many also claimed that being unable to enter the forest amid the surge in bandit activities has plunged them into acute financial distress.

Driven by concerns over life, livelihood, and personal safety, forest-dependent communities in the southwestern district of Satkhira recently staged week-long rolling demonstrations.

Under the banner of the "Forest Pirate Eradication Committee," they held protest marches in Shyamnagar and submitted memorandums to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the Deputy Commissioner, demanding decisive action against the pirates.

Locals added that forest bandits have also been issuing threats over the phone in retaliation for holding protests and forming human chains in the area.

Describing the prevailing climate as one of sheer terror and anxiety, forest-goers in the Satkhira region questioned whether the Sundarbans is now under pirate rule, as neither the law enforcement agencies, the Forest Department, the River Police, nor the Coast Guard have been able to protect them from the hands of the bandits.