Sundarbans, Feb 2 (V7N) – Pirates have demanded a ransom of three lakh taka per person for the release of 15 fishermen kidnapped while fishing in the Bay of Bengal, bringing the total ransom to 4.5 million taka. The demand, made on January 31, has left the families of the abducted fishermen in deep distress.

Fishermen Kidnapped at Gunpoint

According to Motasim Farazi, President of the Rampal Fishermen's Association, the incident took place on the night of January 27 near Mandarbaria in the Sundarbans. A group of 10-12 armed pirates attacked the fishermen’s boat while they were fishing near Alorkol in Dubla. The assailants forcibly abducted 15 fishermen at gunpoint.

List of Kidnapped Fishermen

The kidnapped fishermen include:

  • Shah Alam
  • Azaharul Islam
  • Md. Jahangir Alam
  • Arafat Hossain
  • Alamgir Hossain
  • Shahajan Gazi
  • Md. Russell
  • Md. Shahjahan Dhali
  • Hafizur Rahman
  • Md. Shahinur Alam
  • Matiar Sardar
  • Khan Rafiq
  • Ripon Morol
  • Nur Alam
  • Nathan Biswas

The abducted fishermen hail from Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and surrounding areas.

Threats and Ransom Demand

Four days after the abduction, on January 31, the pirates called the families of the kidnapped fishermen via mobile phone and demanded a ransom of three lakh taka per person. The pirates threatened to break the hands and legs of the captives if the money was not paid quickly.

No Formal Police Complaint Yet

Md. Shahidullah, Officer-in-Charge of Sharankhola Police Station, stated that no formal complaint regarding the kidnapping has been received yet. However, he assured that legal action will be taken once a complaint is filed.

Pirates Captured, But No Action Yet

On the same night of the attack, other fishermen in the area captured three pirates from the gang and handed them over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard, who later transferred them to the police. However, the families of the kidnapped fishermen have expressed frustration over the lack of visible action from law enforcement in securing the release of their loved ones.

The Coast Guard and police have yet to confirm any rescue operation, and the fate of the kidnapped fishermen remains uncertain. The families are appealing to the authorities for urgent intervention to ensure their safe return.

END/MSS/AJ