Pirates operating in the Sundarbans abducted at least 18 fishermen on Thursday, sparking fear among local communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods, officials and locals said. The fishermen were seized while fishing in canals and rivers deep inside the Sundarbans, including the Mamundo and Malancha rivers. Most of the abducted fishermen live in Harinagar, Kadamtala, Mathurapur, Mukhali, and Chhoto Bhetkhali areas of Munshiganj Union in Shyamnagar upazila of Satkhira. Fazlul Haque, forest ranger of the West Sundarbans Satkhira Range, said the Forest Department was alerted Friday and informed the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies. He noted that the Coast Guard had not yet received instructions from higher authorities to launch an operation, leaving families in distress.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 24, 2026 15:05 UTC