S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir back  from the Sundarbans

In the Sundarbans—the world's largest mangrove forest in the southwest region—pirate-related fear has once again intensified. For a while, the Sundarbans breathed a sigh of relief as many pirates had surrendered. Life became easier for those who depended on the forest. However, pirate activity is once again on the rise, instilling fear among fishermen and forest-dependent communities. The Coast Guard's regular raids have kept the pirates on alert, resulting in a reduction in their activity and bringing temporary relief to coastal residents.According to the Forest Department and law enforcement sources, multiple pirate gangs had previously surrendered and returned to normal life. In 2016, seven pirate gangs surrendered together, with 32 pirates laying down arms and pledging to live peacefully. Later, on November 1, 2018, 57 pirates from nine gangs also surrendered. Again, on November 1, 2019, another 25 pirates surrendered. In total, over a hundred pirates returned to normal life, paving the way for a pirate-free Sundarbans. However, in the past three months, incidents of kidnapping fishermen and honey collectors suggest the rise of new pirate groups.Sources say that in the past three months, over 20 fishermen and honey collectors have been abducted in various parts of the Sundarbans. Ransoms ranging from 10,000 to 300,000 taka have been demanded. In several instances, the Coast Guard has successfully rescued the hostages through operations.Several fishermen and forest workers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said new pirate gangs have emerged under different names. Among them are the "Karim Sharif gang" and the "Dayal gang", with at least five to seven such groups currently active. These pirates live deep inside the Sundarbans, using boats to move around and set up hideouts at various points in the forest. They wait for the right opportunity to hijack fishing trawlers or kidnap forest workers. Victims are often tortured at their hideouts, and many are only released after paying ransom.One kidnapped fisherman, who wished to remain unnamed, said, "Of all the gangs currently active in the Sundarbans, the Dayal gang is the most dangerous. They split into small groups, attack fishing trawlers, and abduct people. They're so ruthless that if ransom is not paid, they torture captives brutally. They have even killed victims and thrown their bodies into the river."Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, Chairman of Save the Sundarbans Foundation, said pirates often enter the forest disguised as fishermen or forest workers. A database of these pirates must be created and digitized for easy identification. They must be barred from entering the forest. Intelligence surveillance must be strengthened, including monitoring their families.Law enforcement patrols and surveillance should be increased at various points in the Sundarbans. Alternative employment should also be arranged for those involved in piracy. Protecting the Sundarbans is not just a matter of security—it is also an economic and environmental crisis. Without urgent action, this natural treasure and the lives of those who depend on it will be at serious risk.Meanwhile, on April 10, the Coast Guard rescued 33 fishermen, including 6 women, from captivity under the Karim Sharif gang in the deep Sundarbans. In previous operations, armed pirates were also arrested.Lt. Mahbub Hossain, Media Officer of the Coast Guard Western Zone Headquarters, said: “Just as we were active in combating piracy in the past, we remain active today and will continue our operations in the future as well