Arms, ammunition recovered from bandit hideout in Sundarbans

Bangladesh Coast Guard has recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the den of a gang preparing for robbery in the Sundarbans. However, no one could be arrested as the suspects fled deep into the Sundarbans after sensing the presence of the Coast Guard during the operation.

The operation was conducted on Wednesday night, October 7, in the area adjacent to the Shela River Forest Office in the Sundarbans under Mongla Police Station in Bagerhat.

Among the recovered arms are six single-barrel guns, three airguns, a pipe gun trigger and 14 rounds of live cartridges.

The information was conveyed at a press conference held at the Coast Guard West Zone headquarters in Mongla on Thursday morning, October 8, by Staff Officer (Operations) of the West Zone, Lt Commander Shawkat Ahmmad.

The Coast Guard said special operations named 'Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans' and 'Operation Mangrove Shield' are being conducted to free the Sundarbans from bandits and ensure security in coastal areas. As part of this, based on a tip-off on Wednesday, information was received that a bandit gang was staying in the area adjacent to the Shela River Forest Office with the intention of committing robbery.

Accordingly, a team of Coast Guard Base Mongla conducted an operation in the area around 8pm. Sensing the presence of Coast Guard members, the suspects there fled into the Sundarbans. Later, a search of the area led to the recovery of hidden arms and ammunition. The recovered arms have been handed over to Mongla Police Station.

The Coast Guard said operations and security activities will continue in coordination with local people and other law enforcement agencies as per the government's directives to make the Sundarbans completely free of bandits.