The Sundarbans, one of the world’s largest mangrove forests and a haven of natural beauty, is once again turning into a sanctuary for criminals. In several remote areas, armed pirate groups have effectively set up a shadow administration. Anyone wishing to enter the forest must first contact these groups and pay a fixed “fee” for permission. Failure to comply often results in abduction, torture, or robbery.

Over the past six months, multiple armed groups have kidnapped more than a hundred fishermen and wood collectors, demanding ransoms ranging from Tk 20,000 to Tk 50,000 per person—usually collected via mobile payment. Victims who couldn’t pay were subjected to brutal physical abuse. Survivors recount being held deep in the forest, intimidated and beaten until their families paid the ransom.

Locals report that at least seven to eight pirate gangs, such as the Sharif and Doyal groups, are currently active, each with 8–10 armed members carrying rifles, shotguns, and sharp weapons. While recent Coast Guard operations have led to the arrest of 19 pirates and the rescue of 37 abductees, along with the recovery of weapons and explosives, the overall threat remains.

Officials admit the challenge is significant. The Forest Department alone cannot eliminate piracy and has sought support from the Coast Guard, Navy, and RAB. They’re now working on forming a dedicated task force to restore safety in the Sundarbans. Despite these efforts, fear still haunts many fishermen, who now avoid entering the forest entirely.