A newly-emerged gang of forest bandits, locally known as Munna Bahini has abducted seven fishermen from the Satkhira range of the Sundarbans mangrove forest allegedly demanding ransom for their release.
According to locals, the abductions took place between Monday and Tuesday from different rivers near the forest.
The victims have been identified as Ibrahim Sardar, son of Chakat Sardar of Parshyekhali; Abdul Hakim, son of Gofur Gazi; Sujit Munda, son of Sujan Munda; Sattar Gazi, son of Borhan Gazi of Kalinchi; Akinur, son of Kena Gazi; Bulbul Gazi, son of Ainal Gazi of Koikhali; and Arafat Hossain, son of Kader Hossain of Taranipur in Ramjannagar.
Survivors Abul Hossain and Abdul Aziz, who managed to escape said they were repairing nets and boats in a canal near the Daragang river when six to seven armed men raided the area in two phases.
The assailants abducted four fishermen from four separate boats.
Later, three more were kidnapped from Hogol Dokra canal and Kalir canal.
Local sources claimed that the abducted fishermen had entered the restricted forest area illegally to catch fish and crabs. One of the abductees, Sujit Munda, who was later freed after paying Tk 60,000, told reporters that the newly-formed Munna Bahini was behind the abductions. Confirming the incident, Ramjannagar Union Parishad (UP) member Abdul Hamid Laltu said the gang demanded Tk 50,000 in ransom for each captive.
He added that local collaborators had allegedly supplied them with raw materials and goods worth Tk 25,000–30,000 only days before the kidnappings.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of the Satkhira range Fazlul Haque said fishing and entry into the Sundarbans are currently prohibited. “We have received information that several fishermen have been abducted,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shyamnagar Police Station Humayun Kabir Molla said police have been dispatched to the area following reports of the abduction. “Those who are aiding the bandits will face legal action once evidence is confirmed,” he added.