Twenty seven active members of “Choto Jahangir” robbers gang surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard on Monday, handling over a cache of arms and ammunition in the Sundarbans.
The surrender took place in Charputia Khal area, adjacent to the Sundarbans under Mongla upazila of Bagerhat district.
Gang leader Jahangir Sheikh and 26 active associates handed over their weapons to the Coast Guard authorities, citing their inability to continue criminal activities due to increased pressure from law enforcement.
The robbers surrendered three foreign guns, one eight-shooter, one four-shooter, five local single-barrel guns, 15 local pipe guns, and two China pipe guns.
Additionally, 340 rounds of live ammunition and 55 blank rounds were handed over.
Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam, zonal commander of the west zone, said the surrender is a direct result of “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.”
These special operations are being conducted under government directives to ensure the security of the Sundarbans.
He further noted that 42 people previously held hostage by the bandits have been rescued alive.
Following the provision of necessary medical assistance, they have been safely returned to their families.
According to the Coast Guard, These groups had long been involved in criminal activities, primarily targeting local fishermen and woodcutters for ransom.
Captain Mesbaul highlighted that legal proceedings and rehabilitation arrangements for the surrendered robbers are underway.
While the government offers rehabilitation opportunities under its official policy for those returning to a normal life, he reiterated a “zero-tolerance” stance against those who persist in criminal acts.
Mesbaul expressed a firm determination to keep the Sundarbans safe and entirely free of bandits through regular patrols and intelligence activities.
The surrender follows similar initiatives in which seven members of the “Choto Suman” gang and three members of the “Boro Jahangir” gang surrendered to the authorities.
