Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Sept 6, 2025 (BSS) - Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) have arrested four associates of the notorious pirate gang "Chhoto Suman Bahini" from the Sundarbans in the wee hours of today.

The detained were identified as Md. Billal Hossain, 25, Md. Robiul Sheikh, 32, Md. Jinnat Hawlader, 35, and Md. Kalam Gazi, 24, residents of different areas in Khulna and Bagerhat districts, Lieutenant Commander of BCG (Media) Siam-ul-Haque confirmed this noon.

On a tip-off, a team of BCG Mongla Outpost conducted a drive near the Chhoto Padma canal, adjacent to Pashur River under Chandpai range of the eastern Sundarbans early today while the gang was allegedly attempting to abduct fishermen.

During the raid, the Coast Guard recovered one single-barrel gun, four rounds of live cartridges, and four rounds of empty cartridges.

According to the BCG officials, they had long been involved with the pirate gang by participating in robberies and supplying arms, ammunition, and logistics.

In another drive, members of the BCG Kaikhali Station detained a suspected drug peddler from Government Mohsin College area in Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira district.

They also seized 50 pieces of contraband Yaba tablets worth about Taka 25,000 and Taka 17,580 in cash from his possession.

Meanwhile, BCG Rupsha Outpost, based on secret information, conducted a drive in the Lobonchora Switch Gate area which led to the arrest of a teenage gang member. The team also recovered four locally-made weapons and a large quantity of cannabis from his possession.

Lt. Commander Siam-ul-Haque, media officer of the Coast Guard, confirmed the arrests and seizures, adding that legal proceedings are underway in these connections.

Lt. Md. Khalid Saifullah, navigating officer of Coast Guard vessel BSCGS Shadhin Bangla, assured that Coast Guard units, along with other law enforcement agencies, are on high alert to combat piracy at the Sundarbans.
 
"We are determined to eradicate piracy from the Sundarbans. The Coast Guard will continue operations to keep the forest and coastal regions free of both pirates and drugs," he added.