Fishermen and woodcutters staged a boat protest along a key route into the Sundarbans on Monday, demanding action against criminal gangs, the rescue of abducted fishermen and better security for forest-dependent workers.
The protest came amid growing concerns over kidnappings, ransom demands and death threats.
Ransom demands reportedly range from Tk70,000–80,000 per person to Tk1 lakh, while there are also allegations that advance payments are being collected for each boat.
Participants said several criminal gangs had become active again following recent abductions, leaving people entering the forest to catch fish and crabs increasingly vulnerable.
On 14 October, two fishermen were reportedly abducted from the Satkhira Range of the western Sundarbans.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded Tk2 lakh from their families and threatened to kill the fishermen within seven days if the ransom was not paid, according to media reports.
The protesters called for coordinated operations against the gangs, the dismantling of their hideouts and better security for all forest-dependent workers.
Speakers included Solaiman Kabir, convener of the upazila BNP; Salahuddin Liton, convener of the district Krishak Dal; and Nuruzzaman, member secretary of the upazila Krishak Dal.
Fishermen Jamal Gazi, Bablu Sardar and Nur Islam Gazi also spoke.
