Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, May 15, 2026 (BSS) – Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested three active members of the notorious Karim Sharif gang after a gunfight in the Sundarbans during a special operation titled ‘Operation Mangrove Shield’.

The arrested were identified as Md. Mehedi Hasan (25) and Md. Ramjan Sharif (19) of Morelganj Upazila in Bagerhat, and Md. Enayet (25) of Bhanga Upazila in Faridpur.

Acting on a tip-off, members of the Coast Guard conducted a 48-hour drive in the Mara Chanmia Khal area under Sharankhola Police Station on Wednesday evening.

When the Coast Guard team approached the area, the bandits opened fire, prompting retaliation in self-defence.

Following an exchange of fire, the Coast Guard arrested three fleeing members of the gang.

During the operation, security forces recovered three single-barrel guns, one local pistol, 49 rounds of live ammunition, 187 rounds of airgun pellets, two walkie-talkies and four chargers.

The Coast Guard also rescued four fishermen who had been held hostage by the gang, with the assistance of the Forest Department.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the arrested individuals had long been involved in robbery and kidnapping of fishermen and honey collectors in the Sundarbans for ransom.