In a significant demonstration of coordinated security operations, the Bangladesh Coast Guard successfully rescued six fishermen from the clutches of the notorious forest gang, ‘Nana Bhai Bahini’, after ten days in captivity deep within the Sundarbans. The fishermen had been held hostage as the gang demanded ransom, highlighting both the dangers faced by local fishermen and the challenges of law enforcement in the mangrove region.
The rescue was confirmed on Tuesday, 17 March, during a press briefing at the Coast Guard’s Western Zone headquarters, where Lieutenant Ashiqur Islam Emon provided details of the operation. “Following meticulous intelligence gathering and continuous surveillance, we executed a targeted operation to ensure the safe recovery of the fishermen,” he stated. “All six individuals have been successfully rescued and will be reunited with their families under secure conditions.”
According to sources within the Western Zone Coast Guard, the fishermen were abducted on 7 March from three separate fishing boats operating in the Sundarbans. The kidnappers, members of the ‘Nana Bhai Bahini’ gang, had demanded ransom to release them. The rescued fishermen have been identified as Shafiqul, Al Amin, Ismail, Rezuan, Miaraj, and Ramzan.
The operation was initiated promptly on Monday following a tip-off from a local resident named Kabir, who reported the abductions to authorities. After a night-long operation combining strategic planning and field coordination, the Coast Guard successfully recovered the hostages in the early hours of Tuesday, reflecting both operational discipline and inter-agency cooperation.
The following table summarises the details of the rescued fishermen:
| Name | Boat Number | Date of Abduction | Date of Rescue | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafiqul | 1 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
| Al Amin | 1 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
| Ismail | 2 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
| Rezuan | 2 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
| Miaraj | 3 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
| Ramzan | 3 | 7 March | 17 March | Safe, handed over to family |
Lieutenant Emon emphasised that the operation maintained the highest standards of security throughout, with the welfare of the hostages prioritised. Medical assessments and psychological support have already been provided to ensure their smooth reintegration into normal life.
Local fishermen have welcomed the successful rescue, expressing renewed confidence in returning safely to their livelihoods. The operation also reinforces the Bangladesh Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to combating forest gang activities and ensuring maritime security within the Sundarbans.
By showcasing rapid intelligence-led intervention, coordinated field efforts, and community engagement, this rescue operation sets a benchmark for handling abductions and maintaining law and order in Bangladesh’s remote waterways.