Twenty-one fishermen have been missing for four days after being allegedly abducted by dacoits from the Sundarbans, with the Coast Guard conducting a search operation to rescue them.
The whereabouts of the fishermen could not be confirmed until Tuesday, leaving their families and boat owners deeply worried.
The abduction has also triggered fear among other fishermen who depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihood. Many are reportedly reluctant to enter the forest amid concerns over dacoits attacks.
According to Coast Guard and local sources, dacoits groups led by Majnu, Karim Sharif and Boro Jahangir allegedly abducted 21 fishermen from Narikelbaria, Amraria, Bhadra and Bhanga areas under the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges of the eastern Sundarbans on the nights of 25 and 26 September.
The dacoits also allegedly took away a fishing boat, five mobile phones and other belongings of the fishermen.
Ransom negotiations underway
Fishermen and boat owners have been reluctant to speak publicly about the incident, fearing retaliation by the dacoits.
Several boat owners of the abducted fishermen, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they had been communicating with the dacoits secretly to negotiate the fishermen’s release.
They declined to disclose the amount of ransom demanded, citing security concerns.
The boat owners said negotiations were underway and that the dacoits had promised to release the fishermen once the demanded ransom was paid. They also said the dacoits were pressuring them to pay the ransom quickly.
The incident has left other fishermen concerned about their safety. Many are now afraid to venture into the forest.
They are demanding stronger security measures and want the Sundarbans to be made free of dacoits so they can fish without fear.
Coast Guard steps up search
Md Shariful Islam, assistant conservator of forests of the Sharankhola Range, said the abducted fishermen had not yet been traced. “The Coast Guard’s rescue operation is underway,” he said.
Fishermen staying in the forest have been advised to move in groups at night and remain close to forest offices, he said.
Officials at forest stations and patrol outposts have also been instructed to increase patrols to protect fishermen.
Lieutenant Commander Mahabub Hossain, media officer of the Coast Guard’s Western Zone, said the force was following a zero-tolerance policy against dacoits in line with government directives.
“An operation is underway to rescue the 21 fishermen,” he said.
Modern drones are being used to locate the pirates, while Coast Guard teams are conducting searches along waterways, he added. “We hope to rescue the fishermen soon,” Mahabub said.
He said all dacoits groups operating in the Sundarbans had been urged to surrender.
Those who surrender would be given opportunities to return to normal life and receive rehabilitation support, he said.
Otherwise, they would face legal action, he added.
