Coast Guard anti-piracy operation in Sundarbans leaves one dead, two arrested under Operation Mangrove Shield. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, June 27, 2026 (BSS) - An alleged pirate was killed and two others, including the chief of the notorious 'Dulabhai gang,' were arrested following 
a gunfight with the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) during a special anti-piracy operation in the Sundarbans.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan disclosed the information at a press briefing at Mongla Base Camp on Saturday.

He said the operation was conducted under "Operation Mangrove Shield", a special drive launched by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in line with the 
government's directive to eliminate all active pirate groups from the Sundarbans and ensure the safety of forest-dependent communities, fishermen 
and coastal residents.

Acting on intelligence reports, members of the 'Dulabhai gang' were staying deep inside the Sundarbans near Bonpara under Koyra upazila of Khulna 
district, the Coast Guard Base Mongla under Koyra Station and Nalian Station jointly launched a two-day operation beginning at 5pm on June 25.

During the operation, Coast Guard personnel identified two boats carrying the pirates and signalled them to stop. The suspects ignored the signal and 
allegedly opened fire on the Coast Guard personnel, prompting them to retaliate in self-defence.

During the ensuing gunfight, one of the pirates' boats caught fire while the other sank. The Coast Guard fired one blank cartridge and 216 rounds of live ammunition during the operation, according to the media officer.

After the exchange of fire, Coast Guard personnel searched the area and found alleged gang leader Rabiul Islam, 50, and Shawkat Sardar, 55, with bullet injuries.

They were taken to Koyra Upazila Health Complex, where the attending physician declared Shawkat dead. Rabiul was later referred to Khulna Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) for advanced treatment.

The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Bangladesh Police, continued the operation to capture other fleeing members of the notorious "Dulabhai gang".

As part of the drive, alleged pirate Israfil Howlader, 26, was arrested with a bullet injury to his finger with assistance from local residents near 
Mathbaria Police Outpost. He was admitted to Koyra Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
The operation also led to the recovery of six single-barrel guns, 69 rounds of live cartridges, three blank cartridges, one locally-made weapon, one mobile phone and one wristwatch from the Besukhali area of the Arshibasa River.

According to the Coast Guard, Rabiul Islam and the deceased Shawkat Sardar are residents of Koyra upazila in Khulna district, while Israfil Howlader hailed from Ashashuni upazila in Satkhira district.

The arrested suspects, recovered firearms and ammunition have been handed over to Koyra Police Station for legal action while the body of the deceased has been sent for an autopsy.

The Coast Guard said it would continue such operations against pirates and their collaborators to make the Sundarbans completely free from piracy. It 
also urged local residents to share information about pirate activities, assuring them that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.