DHAKA, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Coast Guard has urged pirates operating in the Sundarbans to surrender immediately, reaffirming its firm commitment to ensuring security in the forest through strict vigilance and sustained operations.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said today that, under government directives, the force has been conducting two special drives titled "Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans" and "Operation Mangrove Shield" aimed at eliminating active pirate groups and ensuring the safety of fishermen, woodcutters, honey collectors and other forest-dependent communities.

He said that since February 12, the ongoing operations have led to the recovery of 26 local and foreign firearms, 10 live shells, 178 rounds of live ammunition, 25 blank cartridges, 187 air gun pellets and two walkie-talkies. During the same period, 21 pirates have been arrested.

The Coast Guard also said it has rescued 20 hostages from pirate captivity and returned them safely to their families after providing medical treatment.

Officials added that continued pressure from the operations has led to the surrender of notorious pirate gang leader Sumon Howlader along with his associates.

On May 17, Sumon Howlader and six members of his group surrendered to the Coast Guard with arms and ammunition in the Nandabala Canal area under Mongla Police Station in the Sundarbans.

The surrendered weapons included three locally made single-barrel guns, two pipe guns, 25 rounds of live ammunition and three blank cartridges.

The surrendered individuals were identified as Sumon Howlader, 32, Robiul Mallik, 25, Rafiq Sheikh, 29, Siddiq Howlader, 40, Golam Mallik, 38, Ismail Khan, 31, all from Mongla upazila in Bagerhat district, and Mahfuz Mallik, 34, from Rampal upazila of the same district.

Authorities said the group had long been involved in piracy activities, including kidnapping fishermen and forest workers and extorting ransom in the Sundarbans area.

Legal procedures and rehabilitation measures for the surrendered individuals are underway, the Coast Guard added.