Sundarbans, July 13 (V7N) – Ten fishermen, along with their boats, have been abducted by a group of forest bandits while illegally fishing and preparing dried fish during the breeding season in the Sundarbans. The abductors, led by a notorious group known as Karim-Sharif, have demanded a ransom of Tk 10,000 per fisherman for their release.
 
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon when the armed bandit group abducted the fishermen and their boats from the Chandpai Range's Andharmanik area while they were illegally entering the forest to catch fish and make dried fish. Multiple sources from the Sundarbans' fishing community and fish traders have confirmed the details.
 
In an alarming development, a fisherman from Bakultala village in Mongla, named Objal (32), was released after his family paid a ransom of Tk 120,000. He had been held captive for nine days by the bandits after attempting to illegally fish in the forest. He was freed on Friday afternoon. Local fisherman Alam, from Shreefaltala village in Rampal, confirmed that his fellow fishermen remain captive, held by the bandit group demanding ransom.
 
Among the captives, one fisherman, Russell (35), from the Koyra Upazila, has been identified. The situation continues to escalate as the bandit group gains more control over the region's illegal fishing activities.
 
Rampant Illegal Fishing and Poaching in Sundarbans
 
The breeding season for fish in the Sundarbans has seen a surge in illegal fishing activities. Despite a ban on fishing in the region's rivers and canals, organized criminal networks involved in poaching and fishing with poison have become increasingly brazen.
 
On Saturday, the Forest Department’s Smart Patrol Team launched an operation in the Chandpai Range, near Charaputia, and seized two boats and 18 bags of dried shrimp (25 kilograms per bag) from the mouth of Boro Dabu'r Khal. It is believed that poison was used in the canals to catch the fish, while timber from the forest was also being used for making dried fish. The seized shrimp have an estimated market value of around Tk 500,000.
 
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
 
Mustakeen Billah, the Officer-in-Charge of the Harnabariya Eco-Tourism Center in the Chandpai Range, confirmed that a case has been filed under forest laws following the seizure of the boats and dried fish. On Sunday morning, the seized dried shrimp was handed over to the court. According to court orders, the shrimp will be sold in an open auction.
 
Milton Roy, the Officer-in-Charge of the Chandpai Station, stated that efforts to curb illegal fishing and poaching activities are ongoing. The forest department's patrols have significantly reduced criminal activity in the forest. However, despite these efforts, illegal incursions by fishermen and poaching groups remain a serious issue.
 
The government is committed to continuing its raids in the Sundarbans to combat illegal activities and protect the natural resources of the region.
 
END/AHS/SMA/