Khulna Bureau 

 Twelve active members of the forest bandit outfit "Nana Bhai Bahini," including its ringleader, surrendered to the Bangladesh Coast Guard along with a sizable cache of arms and ammunitions , Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

The surrenders occurred under two special Coast Guard initiatives—"Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans" and "Operation Mangrove Shield"—launched to eliminate piracy and bolster security across coastal regions.

According to the official statement, gang chief Jahangir Moral and 11 active associates surrendered at approximately 6:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8, at Dhansiddhir Char under Mongla Thana in Bagerhat district. The surrendering group relinquished an arsenal comprising an eight-shooter, a six-shooter, a four-shooter, a side-hammer, a bolt-action pistol, two M3 gas guns, two 7.65mm pistols, two one-shooters, and two air guns. The surrendered ammunition included 212 live cartridges, 29 blank cartridges, 20 rounds of 7.65mm pistol bullets, five rounds of 8mm live shells, 413 air gun pellets, four pistol magazines, two air gun magazines, and six walkie-talkies with chargers.

The surrendered individuals were identified as gang leader Jahangir Moral alias Rahmat (36), Saifullah Moral (39), Ekhlasur Rahman (38), Rabiul Islam (35), Mafizul Islam (35), Azim Uddin Gazi (37), and Abdur Rahman Sheikh (36) from Paikgachha and Dumuria thanas in Khulna district; Shafiqul Islam (53), Mintu Gazi (39), Azizul Gazi (35), and Shahjahan Mali (35) from Shyamnagar Thana in Satkhira district; and Azizur Rahman (45) from Rampal Thana in Bagerhat district.

The group had been involved in piracy, robbery, and hostage-taking for ransom targeting fishermen and forest resource gatherers (bawalis) in the Sundarbans. Coast Guard officials noted that ongoing operations have so far led to the arrest of 29 forest bandits, the rescue of 42 hostages, and the surrenders of 37 active pirates from various groups, including the Chhoton Suman, Boro Jahangir, and Chhoton Jahangir outfits.

Legal proceedings regarding the confiscated weapons and formal rehabilitation steps for the surrendered bandits under government supervision have been taken .

 The Coast Guard reaffirmed its call for remaining forest bandits to surrender, warning that strict legal measures will be enforced under a zero-tolerance policy against those continuing criminal activities.