Published: 12:21 PM, 28 June 2026
Sundarbans 'gunfight': One killed; 'Dulabhai Bahini' gang chief among two held
An alleged member of the notorious "Dulabhai Bahini" pirate gang was killed and two others, including the gang leader, were injured during a gunfight with members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) in the Sundarbans of Khulna.
The deceased has been identified as Shawkat Sardar, 50, son of Ejaj Sardar of Maheshwaripur village in Koyra upazila.
Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan revealed the information on Saturday noon.
He said, "According to the Coast Guard, a special operation was launched deep inside the Sundarbans near Bonpara under Koira upazila on June 25. During the operation, members of an armed pirate gang, who were positioned on boats, allegedly opened fire on Coast Guard personnel after detecting their presence.
The Coast Guard returned fire in self-defence and to bring the situation under control. Following the overnight exchange of gunfire, three injured suspected pirates were rescued and sent to Koyra Upazila Health Complex for treatment. One of the injured suspects later died."
The Coast Guard said efforts were continuing in the area to recover illegal firearms and ammunition and to apprehend other fleeing gang members.
The media officer urged the public not to be misled by rumours and assured that the situation remained under the control of the law enforcement agency.
He also warned that members of the pirate gang might attempt to take shelter in nearby localities and requested residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing relevant information.
According to local sources, the gunfight took place around 9.30 pm on Thursday when Coast Guard vessel "Typhoon-17", engaged in a special operation on the Shibsa River near the Koyra Forest Office, encountered two wooden boats carrying members of the Dulabhai Bahini.
The pirates allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the Coast Guard vessel, prompting retaliatory fire. During the exchange, one pirate boat sank and another caught fire. The injured includes gang leader Robiul Islam alias chief of the "Dulabhai Bahini," and two other members.
The Coast Guard will continue such operations against bandits and their supporters in future to completely free the Sundarbans from bandits. In the interest of the country and the security of the Sundarbans, the local people are requested to provide any information to the Coast Guard regarding the bandits. The confidentiality of the information provider will be maintained.
