In a significant breakthrough under ongoing security drives in the Sundarbans, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested two active members of the notorious Karim Sharif pirate group, including its second-in-command, and rescued four fishermen who had been held hostage. The operation, carried out under the broader initiatives titled “Operation Mangrove Shield” and “Operation Restore Peace in the Sundarbans”, also led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition used in criminal activities within the forest’s waterways.
According to a press briefing held on Sunday morning at the Coast Guard West Zone headquarters in Mongla, Lieutenant Ashikul Islam Imon confirmed that the arrests were made during the sixth phase of coordinated operations targeting organised piracy in the region. Acting on confidential intelligence, a specialised Coast Guard team launched a pre-dawn raid at around 4:00 am in the Dhangmari Canal area, believed to be a known hideout of the group.
Upon detecting the presence of law enforcement personnel, the pirate suspects attempted to flee the scene. However, the Coast Guard pursued and successfully apprehended two armed operatives of the Karim Sharif faction. During the operation, four fishermen who had been forcibly detained by the group were safely rescued.
A cache of weapons and ammunition was also seized, including one foreign-made single-barrel gun, two locally manufactured single-barrel guns, and 24 rounds of live cartridges. Authorities stated that the seized arms were actively used to intimidate fishermen and forest resource collectors in exchange for ransom.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Robiul Sheikh (30), from Rampal Upazila in Bagerhat, and Rajon Sharif (20) from Morelganj Upazila. Officials further disclosed that Rajon Sharif had long served as the second-in-command of the group and had been involved in multiple criminal acts, including abduction and extortion in the Sundarbans region. He also faces a murder case filed at Bagerhat Sadar Police Station.
Summary of Operation Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Operation name | Operation Mangrove Shield / Restore Peace in Sundarbans |
| Arrested suspects | 2 (including second-in-command) |
| Rescued victims | 4 fishermen |
| Weapons seized | 1 foreign single-barrel gun, 2 local single-barrel guns |
| Ammunition recovered | 24 live rounds |
| Location of raid | Dhangmari Canal area, Sundarbans |
| Time of operation | Around 4:00 am (pre-dawn raid) |
Officials confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against the arrested suspects, while the rescued fishermen are being prepared for handover to their families. The Coast Guard reiterated that such targeted operations will continue to eliminate piracy networks and ensure the Sundarbans waterways remain safe for fishermen and forest workers.
Authorities have also indicated that surveillance and intelligence-based patrols in the mangrove forest will be intensified in the coming months to dismantle remaining pirate groups operating in the region.