Sundarbans’ ‘Master Bahini’ surrenders

In the wake of escalating crackdown by the law enforcement agencies, notorious forest robber gang "Master Bahini" based in the Sundarbans surrendered to Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Sunday. The gang leader, Mostafa Sheikh alias Kader Master, along with seven other robbers surrendered to the RAB-8 in Charputia area of Mongla upazila in the early morning. They also deposited 51 firearms and 5,000 rounds of bullet, said RAB sources.

The seven other robbers are- Mohammad Sultan Khan, 58, Mohammad Sohag Akon, 37, Mohammad Fazlu Sheikh, 35, Mohammad Solaiman Sheikh, 28, Mohmmad Shahin Sheikh, 28, and Mohammad Sumon Sarker, 34. Sources said Mostafa hailing from Rampal upazila in Bagerhat district formed the gang "Master Bahini" several years ago. They used to attack trawlers of fishermen, Bawali (golpata and wood cutters) and Mawali (honey collectors) and abduct fishermen for ransom in the deep forests of the Sundarbans. Lieutenant Colonel Md Faridul Alam of RAB-8 said it has become very tough to continue robbery in the Sundarbans as RAB has  increased its regular drives.

Hours after the surrender, the elite force with the gang members launched a drive in the forests. Meanwhile, a formal program marking the robber gang's surrender in presence of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and RAB DG Benazir Ahmed scheduled to be held in Mongla but which has been postponed on account of inclement weather, said RAB sources. 

In recent time the robber chief sent letters to home minister Md Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and the Director General (DG) of RAB, Benazir Ahmed requesting to take steps for their surrender as they would like to return to normal life. At the letter the "Master Bahini" chief Md Mostafa Sheikh said "We are members of Master Bahini. We have been carrying out banditry in the Sundarbans for a long time. After realizing our follies, we have decided to surrender." At the letter he also said they will also surrender everything including arms and ammunition. They requested to the home minister to take initiative in this regard and help them return to normal life. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that after get a letter of "Master Bahini" his ministry is communicating with members of the gang for their surrender.