A notorious leader of a coastal piracy group operating in the Sundarbans has been arrested by the Coast Guard along with firearms and ammunition during a targeted overnight operation aimed at curbing organised crime in the mangrove forest region.
The suspect, identified as Md Jahidul Islam, widely known by the alias “Maje Jahangir” (56), is alleged to be the chief of a 13-member armed gang locally referred to as “Maje Jahangir Bahini”. According to authorities, the group had long been involved in abducting fishermen and forest workers, extorting ransom payments, and engaging in widespread intimidation across the Sundarbans coastal belt.
The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan. He stated that the operation formed part of ongoing intensified efforts to dismantle piracy networks in the region under coordinated campaigns designed to restore security in the mangrove ecosystem.
Acting on intelligence reports, the Coast Guard conducted a late-night raid on Monday in the Kaler Khal area near the Adachai Forest Office, located along the Shibsa River. During the operation, Jahangir was apprehended from a forest hideout. A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the recovery of two single-barrel firearms and five rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect hails from Naragati Police Station area in Narail district. He reportedly admitted to leading the armed group for an extended period, orchestrating criminal activities that targeted vulnerable communities dependent on forest resources for their livelihoods.
Authorities confirmed that the seized weapons and ammunition, along with the detained suspect, would be handed over to Dakop Police Station in Khulna for further legal proceedings later in the day.
Officials emphasised that two specialised operations—“Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”—are currently underway to eliminate organised criminal groups operating in the forest region. These initiatives aim to safeguard fishermen, honey collectors, and other forest-dependent communities who have long faced threats from armed gangs.
Key Details of the Operation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Md Jahidul Islam (Maje Jahangir), 56 |
| Gang Name | Maje Jahangir Bahini |
| Number of Gang Members | 13 (active members) |
| Location of Arrest | Kaler Khal area, near Adachai Forest Office, Shibsa River |
| Operation Time | Late night, Monday |
| Seized Items | 2 single-barrel guns, 5 rounds of live ammunition |
| Alleged Crimes | Abduction, ransom collection, extortion |
| Handed Over To | Dakop Police Station, Khulna |
The Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in the Sundarbans, stressing that operations against piracy and organised criminal networks will continue with increased vigilance in the coming months.