Photo: BSS

BAGERHAT, May 10, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today said the government's main objective is to build a country free from drugs, terrorism, extortion and land grabbing, alongside prioritizing the complete elimination of banditry in the Sundarbans.

He said law enforcement agencies must perform their duties without considering political identity or affiliation in order to establish a welfare-oriented state.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing the monthly meeting of the district law and order committee at the Collectorate Conference Room in Bagerhat town today.

He said poor fishermen, honey collectors and other forest-dependent communities enter the Sundarbans for their livelihood, but are often abducted by forest bandits who extort ransom through mobile financial services.

"This abduction-based criminal activity will not be tolerated. The government has taken strict measures to ensure the safety of fishermen and forest workers," he said.

He also stressed the need to identify and take legal action against those who provide logistical support to the bandits from local areas.

The state minister further noted that ransom money sent through mobile banking is often withdrawn locally, calling for coordinated action to dismantle such networks.

He instructed authorities to collect mobile numbers of suspected bandits from fishermen and forest workers and take immediate steps for their arrest.

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Golam Md Baten presided over the meeting. 

Members of Parliament from Bagerhat-1, Bagerhat-2 and Bagerhat-4 constituencies, District Jamaat Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim, Press Club President Abu Sayeed and heads of various government departments also attended the meeting.