One killed in Coast Guard gunfight with 'Dulabhai Bahini' in Sundarbans

One person was killed and two others were shot during a gunfight between Coast Guard personnel and members of the 'Dulabhai Bahini' pirate group in the Sundarbans.

The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Bonpara area under the Sundarbans West Forest Division, adjacent to Maheshwaripur union in Koyra upazila, Khulna.

Coast Guard West Zone Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said a special operation was launched in the deep forests of the Sundarbans around 10:30 pm. The pirates, on a boat, opened fire upon detecting the Coast Guard's presence. Coast Guard members returned fire in self-defence.

Three pirates were found injured and taken to Koyra Upazila Health Complex, where one of them died.

The Coast Guard said operations in the area are ongoing and the situation is under control. Local residents were urged not to be misled by rumours and to continue their normal activities.

Locals reported hearing gunfire throughout the night, causing panic in the area. Residents of Tetultalar Char village in Maheshwaripur union said they heard gunshots for about 45 minutes. Many initially thought the firing was between rival pirate groups.

Local resident Yasin Arafat said he heard over a hundred gunshots and saw flashes of fire in the darkness.

Sundarbans West Forest Division Khulna Range officials confirmed that the incident took place in the Maydafesa Canal area, where Coast Guard personnel are currently stationed.