Suspected pirate killed, gang leader injured as Coast Guard raids Dulabhai Bahini hideout in Sundarbans gunfight operation. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, June 26, 2026 (BSS) - An alleged member of the notorious "Dulabhai Bahini" pirate gang was killed and two others, including the gang leader, 
were injured during a gunfight with members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) in the Sundarbans of Khulna.

The deceased was identified as Shawkat Sardar, son of Ejaj Sardar of Maheshwaripur village in Koyra upazila.

The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Moydafesha Khal (Canal) area under the Koyra Forest Patrol Outpost, according to Coast Guard sources.

A Coast Guard operation in the Sundarbans remained underway as of Friday afternoon. 

In a press release issued at 3pm, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan confirmed that three suspected pirates had 
sustained bullet injuries during the operation.

According to the Coast Guard, a special operation was launched deep inside the Sundarbans near Bonpara under Koira upazila on June 25.

During the operation, members of an armed pirate gang, who were positioned on boats, allegedly opened fire on Coast Guard personnel after detecting their 
presence.

The Coast Guard returned fire in self-defence and to bring the situation under control.

Following the overnight exchange of gunfire, three injured suspected pirates were rescued and sent to Koyra Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said one of the injured suspects later died. He, however, noted that detailed information could not yet be provided 
as the operation was still ongoing.

The Coast Guard said efforts were continuing in the area to recover illegal firearms and ammunition and to apprehend other fleeing gang members.

The media officer urged the public not to be misled by rumours and assured that the situation remained under the control of the law enforcement agency.

He also warned that members of the pirate gang might attempt to take shelter in nearby localities and requested residents to remain vigilant and cooperate 
with law enforcement agencies by providing relevant information.

According to local sources, the gunfight took place around 9.30 pm on Thursday when Coast Guard vessel "Typhoon-17", engaged in a special operation 
on the Shibsa River near the Koyra Forest Office, encountered two wooden boats carrying members of the Dulabhai Bahini.

The pirates allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the Coast Guard vessel, prompting retaliatory fire. During the exchange, one pirate boat sank and 
another caught fire.

The injured includes gang leader Robiul Islam alias chief of the "Dulabhai Bahini," and two other members.
 
Robiul was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) on Friday morning for treatment and was later taken back into Coast Guard custody, local 
sources said.

Contacted Koyra Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Rezaul Karim said Coast Guard personnel brought the body of Shawkat Sardar to the hospital around 4am on Friday.
 
Another injured pirate was later referred to KMCH for advanced treatment.Local residents of Maheshwaripur said Robiul Islam, a former fisherman, 
formed the "Dulabhai Bahini" in 2024 after the death of the notorious pirate leader Ilias, whose gang had long terrorised the Sundarbans.

Robiul, the brother-in-law of Ilias, subsequently established a new group that became locally known as the "Dulabhai Bahini".

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Koyra Police Station Mohammad Zahidul Islam said police had learned about the exchange of gunfire and the death of a suspected pirate inside the forest, adding that the Coast Guard was handling the matter.