Environment, Forest and Climate Change State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said strict steps are being taken to eliminate pirates in the Sundarbans to ensure development of tourism and overall progress of the forest.
He said the government will restore an environment where forest-dependent communities can work without fear.
The state minister made the remarks at a meeting with senior officials of Khulna, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts at the Khulna Circuit House conference room on Sunday morning.
The meeting was held to determine necessary steps to curb piracy in the Sundarbans region.
Khulna Deputy Commissioner ASM Jamshed Khondkar chaired the meeting and Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed was present.
Officials of the Forest Department and administration highlighted various measures to free the Sundarbans from forest bandits and pirates.
Speakers expressed differing views on whether resistance or rehabilitation through surrender and employment opportunities would be more effective in eliminating piracy.
The Sundarbans was declared pirate-free in 2018.
Although pirates surrendered and returned to normal life at the time, they resumed their previous activities ahead of the national election, officials said.
