Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) - Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard have arrested a key leader of the notorious "Chhoto Sumon" pirate gang in the Sundarbans along with arms and ammunition. 

The arrested person was identified as Md Abdus Samad Molla, 35, a resident of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat district.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed the matter this morning, stating that the force is maintaining a stern stance against all forest-based criminal gangs operating in the Sundarbans region.

He said two special drives, 'Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans' and 'Operation Mangrove Shield,' are being conducted under Coast Guard leadership to eliminate piracy from the forest.

As part of the ongoing operations, Coast Guard Base Mongla conducted a drive around 10:00 pm on Monday in the Shukdara Bazar area under Rampal Thana, acting on specific intelligence. 

During the drive, Abdus Samad Molla, who had long been serving as the second-in-command of the Chhoto Sumon gang, was arrested.

Later, based on his information, another drive was conducted around 2 am today in the Nandabala canal area of the Sundarbans under Mongla Thana.

The operation resulted in the recovery of one single-barreled gun, one air gun, and two rounds of ammunition.

Legal action against the accused and the seized arms is underway, the official added.

He further said the Coast Guard will continue such operations to make the Sundarbans completely free from pirates.