Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 10, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) during a drive rescued 33 abducted fishermen, including 6 women along with 16 boats from the Sundarbans yesterday evening. 

The fishermen were abducted by the members of 'Sharif Bahini,' a notorious pirate group of the Sundarbans on April 9. The pirates demanded a ransom of Taka 10,000 for each fisherman. 

Acting on a tip-off, a BCG team from Mongla Station conducted an operation around 10.30am on Wednesday in the Mallakhali area of the Korkori River under the Sundarbans West Division. 

Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the pirates fled into the deep forest, opening fire. The BCG team rescued the fishermen along with 16 boats after 8 hours of operation, Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque, Media Officer of the Coast Guard confirmed today. 

The rescued fishermen said they entered the Sundarbans to catch fish and crabs after getting permits from the local forest station last month. 

The pirates abducted them Tuesday at gunpoint, while they were fishing in the river, and demanded ransom from their family members. Some fishermen secretly informed their family members about the abduction through mobile phones. 

The rescued fishermen were provided with first aid and food after being brought to the Koyra CG station, said Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque, adding that they will be handed over to their family members.