BARGUNA, Feb 28, (V7N) - Three fishermen from Patharghata returned home Friday night after escaping captivity by pirates in the Sundarbans. The men — Raju Mia (26), Md. Mahbub (30), and Md. Raju Molla (27) — were released after enduring torture and ransom demands.

On February 15, members of the Baro Jahangir Bahini kidnapped five fishermen from the Hauli canal in Katka. Two were freed the next day on condition that Tk 10 lakh be paid for the release of the remaining three. Despite the ransom being sent, the captives were not released. The fishermen said they were chained to a trawler and tortured during captivity.

Their escape came when a gunfight broke out between rival pirate groups. Taking advantage of the chaos, the three fled, swimming through canals until rescued by a sailor of an oil tanker who brought them to Mongla port. From there, they made their way back to Patharghata.

Trawler owner Md. Masum Mia confirmed the pirates seized his vessel along with the fishermen. He said the men were beaten and required medical treatment after their return.

Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of the Barguna District Fishermen Trawler Owners Association, warned that pirate activity has surged in recent days, spreading panic among fishermen. “If this continues, fishermen will stop going to sea,” he said.

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