BAGERHAT, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS) – Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested two associates of the notorious Ranga Bahini along with arms and ammunition and rescued nine fishermen early today who were held hostage in the Sundarbans.

The arrestees are - Nasir Molla, 31, of Bagerhat district and Mintu Sardar, 40, of Khulna district, both were associated with Ranga Bahini.
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Based on secret information, members of the Coast Guard conducted a special drive at around 5:00am in Adachgi area of the Sundarbans under the authority of Coast Guard Base Mongla, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq told BSS this afternoon.

Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the robbers tried to flee away. Later, two members of the armed gang were arrested after a chase, he added. 

During the operation, the Coast Guard recovered two single-barrel guns, two rounds of live cartridges, eight rounds of blank cartridges, three local firearms-making tools, and one indigenous weapon.

Nine fishermen, who had been taken hostage by the gang, were rescued unharmed during the drive.

The rescued fishermen told the Coast Guard personnel that they had gone to the Sundarbans on September 3 to catch fish and crabs, when members of the Ranga Bahini abducted them, and later demanded ransom. All rescued individuals are residents of the Dakop upazila under Khulna district.

During preliminary interrogation, the two arrestees admitted their long-term involvement with Ranga Bahini. They reportedly assisted the gang in conducting robberies and in supplying arms, ammunition, and other logistical support.

Necessary legal procedures against the arrested robbers, rescued fishermen, and seized items are underway, the Coast Guard official said.