33 abducted fishermen rescued from Sundarbans

Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard have rescued 33 fishermen from the Sundarbans after they were abducted while fishing in the forest.

The rescued individuals, all are from Khulna’s Koyra, would be handed over to their families on Thursday afternoon, said lieutenant commander Md Siam-ul-Haque, media officer of the Coast Guard Headquarters.

On information that the ‘dacoit’ Karim Sharif gang of West Sundarbans took 33 fishermen hostage in the forest on Wednesday morning, April 9, when they went there to catch fish and crab, the Coast Guard personnel conducted drives in Mallakhali area from Wednesday morning to evening, he said.

Sensing the presence of Coast Guard members, the robbers opened fire on them and managed to flee, the official said.

Later, 33 abducted fishermen were rescued and 16 boats recovered, he added.

Abu Hossain Sumon/MSU