Photo : BSS

KHULNA, April 17, 2026 (BSS) - Under the ongoing "Operation Mangrove Shield," 
the Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued two fishermen who were held hostage by 
the notorious Boro Jahangir gang in separate drives in the Sundarbans, and 
arrested an active member of the infamous Doyal gang along with arms and 
ammunition.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed 
the information on Friday evening.

He said, under the direct instructions of the Home Minister, the Coast Guard 
has taken a firm stance against all forest-based criminal groups operating in 
the Sundarbans region. 

As part of this effort, two special operations --"Operation Restore Peace in 
Sundarbans" and "Operation Mangrove Shield," are currently underway.

During the drives, two fishermen along with a fishing boat were rescued alive 
from the custody of the Boro Jahangir gang.

However, sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, the pirates fled into the 
forest, leaving the hostages behind.

The fishermen had been abducted on April 15 while fishing near Shuyormara 
canal in the Joymonighol area under Mongla Police Station. 

The pirates tortured them in captivity in an attempt to extort ransom.

Following intelligence surveillance, the location of the hostages was 
confirmed, and a special operation was carried out by Coast Guard Base Mongla 
on April 16 around 4 pm in the Murti canal area, leading to their rescue.

In a separate drive, based on secret information, the Coast Guard learned 
that members of the Doyal gang were took position near Hogoldara canal under 
Shyamnagar Police Station. 

Acting on the tip-off, Coast Guard Station Koikhali conducted another drive 
in the area at around 6 am on Friday.

During the drive the criminals attempted to flee upon sensing the presence of 
the Coast Guard. After a chase, the forces managed to arrest one active 
member of the Doyal gang along with two single-barrel guns and nine rounds of 
live cartridges.

The arrested was identified as Tarikul, 35, is a resident of Koyra Police 
Station in Khulna district and had long been involved in piracy activities as 
a member of the Doyal gang.

Legal procedures regarding the arrested person and the seized arms and 
ammunition are underway, while the rescued fishermen are being handed over to 
their families.

The Coast Guard official also reaffirmed that such operations will continue 
in the future to make the Sundarbans completely free from pirates.