MONGLA, February 25, (V7N) — A massive joint security operation has been launched in the Sundarbans to neutralize a resurgence of forest bandits that has recently terrorized coastal communities. Led by the Bangladesh Coast Guard, the crackdown includes coordinated units from the Bangladesh Navy, RAB, and Police, aiming to restore safety to the world’s largest mangrove forest.

The operation follows an emergency high-level meeting held on Sunday at the Khulna Circuit House, chaired by the State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Lion Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam. The minister met with top administrative and law enforcement officials from Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira to finalize a "zero-tolerance" strategy. This move comes as the new administration prioritizes the security of the 10,000+ fishermen and forest workers whose livelihoods have been paralyzed by recent abductions.

According to Lt. Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Media Officer of the Coast Guard, the joint force was deployed on Tuesday morning with a mandate to continue the mission until all criminal factions are eliminated. Intelligence reports indicate that at least 10 to 12 bandit groups are currently active in the eastern and western ranges, including notorious factions such as the Sumon, Kana Sharif, Alif, and Jahangir groups.

The Alif group is currently identified as the largest and most dangerous, reportedly consisting of 20 members equipped with a stockpile of modern firearms. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Dubla Fisherman Group, noted that bandits are currently holding at least 22 fishermen hostage, while several others were only released after paying hefty ransoms. The terror had become so pervasive that dry-fish processing at Dubla Char had nearly ground to a halt as terrified fishermen refused to venture into the water.

State Minister Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam emphasized that the operation is part of the government’s broader 180-day action plan to stabilize the region. "We will not allow criminal groups to destabilize the Sundarbans or endanger the lives of those living below the poverty line," he stated. Beyond banditry, the joint force is also tasked with stopping illegal "poison fishing" and the looting of forest resources, which threaten the UNESCO World Heritage site’s delicate ecosystem.

As the operation moves deep into the winding creeks and isolated chars of the forest, the Coast Guard has intensified drone surveillance and river patrols. Local fishing communities have welcomed the intervention, hoping it will finally end the "token system" of extortion that has plagued the Sundarbans since late 2024.

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