Law enforcement agencies detained 61 members of various robber gangs in joint operations across the Sundarbans over the past 18 months.
Captain Mohammad Mesbaul Islam, Zonal Commander of Coast Guard West Zone Headquarters, said on Sunday that the drives were carried out under two operations — “Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield” — to curb criminal activities in the forest.
He said members of several gangs, including Karim-Sharif, Nana Bhai, Chhota Suman, Alif and Asabur groups, were detained during the operations.
Authorities also recovered 80 firearms and 599 rounds of ammunition.
In addition, 78 fishermen and three tourists were rescued.
Coast Guard sources said 944kg of venison, 900 traps and a large quantity of illegal goods linked to 29 poachers were seized as part of wildlife protection efforts.
Illegal fishing nets worth around Tk1,806 crore and a significant quantity of fish fry were also seized.
Security surveillance has been strengthened across the Sundarbans, including Harbaria, Kaikhali, Koyra, Nalian, Mandarbari and Shyamnagar in Satkhira, as part of ongoing anti-poaching drives.
Personnel from the Navy, RAB, Coast Guard, Police, Forest Department and other agencies took part in the joint operations.
