Identities of 78 abandoned Bangladeshis in Sundarbans confirmed

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has identified 78 Bangladeshis who were abandoned in the Mandarbaria forest area of the Sundarbans. Assistant Forest Conservator Moshiur Rahman stated that all of the rescued individuals had visible signs of physical injuries.

It is alleged that the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Coast Guard left these individuals near the sea area using a ship and a speedboat on May 9. After being abandoned, the group walked a long distance and eventually reached the Mandarbaria patrol outpost in the Sundarbans, where they took shelter.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shyamnagar Police Station in Satkhira, Humayun Kabir, said, "The rescued individuals are residents of Khulna, Barishal, Satkhira, Narail, and Jashore districts. Some of them had been in India for many years, while others had only been there for a few months. Out of the 78, seventy were detained in Ahmedabad, and the remaining eight in Surat."

The OC also mentioned that Md. Harun, 54, from Madhabpasha village in Kalia upazila of Narail had lived in Surat for 37 years. Rouf Sheikh, 76, from Bishnupur village in the same upazila had been in Ahmedabad for 22 years. Meanwhile, Ruman Molla, 32, from Barakotha village in Uzirpur upazila of Barishal had gone to Ahmedabad just one month ago. These individuals are currently being housed at the Upazila Muktijoddha Sangsad (Freedom Fighters’ Council) Complex building. They were scheduled to arrive there around 10pm.

Shyamnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosammat Roni Khatun said, "The sudden abandonment of 78 people in such a remote area by the Bay of Bengal came as a shock to everyone. With the help of the Forest Department and Bangladesh Coast Guard, they were given shelter at the Mandarbaria patrol post. During that time, their names, identities, and addresses were recorded. To ensure their well-being, dry food, rice, lentils, clean water, and other essential supplies were sent to them."

According to the Coast Guard, after receiving initial medical treatment, the group was taken to Mongla by sea around 2:30pm yesterday.

Authorities have stated that the reasons behind this incident are currently being investigated.