'Autonomous marine vehicle' emerges from Bay of Bengal

A mysterious mechanical object has emerged in the nets of fishermen while fishing off the coast of Patharghata in Barguna. The red and yellow torpedo-shaped device, about eight feet long, looks like an underwater autonomous vehicle. After its recovery, it has created great curiosity among the fishing community, administration and researchers.

A trawler from Charduani Union in Patharghata was fishing in the estuary of the Bay of Bengal on Sunday afternoon. The fishermen felt an unusual weight while lifting the net. The trawler's fisherman Miraj Hossain said, "At first, it seemed like a big bird was trapped in the net. Later, when I lifted the net, I saw that it was not a fish, but a machine."

Many people were horrified when they saw the fan-like part and electronic devices inside the device, thinking it was a military object. When it was brought to Patharghata and reported to the police station, the police took the device into custody on Monday morning.

Experts initially believe it could be an 'Autonomous Underwater Vehicle' (AUV) or an automated marine research vehicle.

Mohammad Abdul Aziz, a professor at the Department of Zoology at Jahangirnagar University, said, 'Initially, it seems that the device was not in working condition. It may have drifted towards the coast due to a mechanical fault or loss of power.'

Researchers believe that the real identity of the device, its source and the type of data collection will be known through technical analysis. Patharghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tapas Pal said that the matter is being looked into seriously and further action will be taken based on expert opinion.