MONGLA, Mar 17, (V7N) — The Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued six fishermen who were held hostage for ten days by the notorious forest bandit group known as Nanabhai Bahini in the Sundarbans.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said the fishermen were captured on March 7 while catching fish and crabs. The bandits allegedly tortured them and demanded ransom. A relative of one of the victims, Md. Kabir, alerted authorities by calling the Coast Guard’s emergency number 16111.

Acting on the tip‑off, Coast Guard units conducted a raid at dawn Tuesday in the Kalir Khan area near the Shibsa River. The operation, carried out under intelligence surveillance, led to the safe rescue of the hostages. The bandits fled into the forest upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, leaving the fishermen behind.

The rescued men were identified as Rafiqul (30), Alamin (26), and Ismail Shana (24) from Koyra police station in Khulna, and Ramzan Ali (36), Rezwan (22), and Mia Raj (18) from Shyamnagar police station in Satkhira.

Officials said arrangements are underway to reunite the rescued fishermen with their families. “Bangladesh Coast Guard will continue such operations in the future to keep the Sundarbans free from pirates,” Lt. Commander Sujan stated.

Local sources noted that the Nanabhai Bahini group has long been feared in the region for targeting fishermen and demanding ransom. Authorities emphasized that ongoing surveillance and raids will remain a priority to ensure safety in the forest areas.

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