DHAKA, Nov 2, 2026 (BSS) – Piracy in Bangladesh’s coastal areas, particularly in the Sundarbans and adjoining waters of the Bay of Bengal, has declined following coordinated security operations, intensified patrols and technology-driven surveillance by law enforcement agencies.

The government has stepped up efforts to protect fishermen, honey collectors and other forest-dependent communities through joint operations, improved maritime surveillance and livelihood assistance, raising hopes for safer working conditions.

On August 27, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told the Jatiya Sangsad that police, Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Forest Department were working jointly to ensure security in the Sundarbans and protect fishermen.

Under the special operations titled “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield”, security agencies are conducting intelligence-based operations and regular patrols to dismantle pirate networks, recover illegal firearms and rescue abducted people.

Talking to BSS, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said the force, in coordination with the Navy, Police, River Police, Special Response Battalion (SRB), BGB, Forest Department and local administration, was conducting regular operations in piracy-prone coastal areas.

According to the coast guard, 39 forest bandits have been arrested since February 12, while 42 locally made and foreign firearms, ammunition, walkie-talkies, telescopes and other equipment have been recovered. The force has also rescued 41 hostages alive.

Sujan said 51 members of six pirate groups had surrendered to the coast guard this year. Special security arrangements would remain in place throughout the five-month dry-fish trading season, which began on October 30, particularly around Dublar Char, Alorkol, Katka and adjoining waterways.

He urged fishermen and traders facing threats to contact the coast guard emergency hotline at ‘16111’.

Meanwhile, SRB-6 Commander Nistar Ahmed said 74 members of six pirate groups had surrendered to the elite force.

Khulna Divisional Forest Conservator Imran Ahmed said fishermen had been advised not to venture into deep waters or remote forest areas alone. They were encouraged to travel in groups of 15 to 20 boats, particularly at night, while forest personnel would be deployed at strategic locations, he said.

Modern patrol ships, speedboats, radar, GPS and advanced communication systems are being deployed to strengthen surveillance along the coast, including Cox’s Bazar, Maheshkhali and Kutubdia. Drone technology and financial monitoring are also helping security agencies locate abducted people and trace ransom-related transactions.

Despite the progress, sporadic incidents of piracy continue. On October 12, the coast guard rescued four fishermen abducted by the Samrat gang from the Arabnia canal area of the Shibsa River in the Sundarbans.

Alongside security measures, the government has allocated Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) rice for registered fishermen during the three-month fishing ban in fiscal year 2026-27.

Shahbuddin Bapery, a fisherman from South Bedkashi village in Koyra upazila, told BSS that the assistance had fulfilled their long-standing demand and eased concerns over food security.

Forest worker Ramzan Ali of Sharankhola upazila said workers previously entered the forest under constant fear of pirate attacks. Several members of his group had to pay Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000 each in ransom after being held hostage during the last season, he said.

Fisherman Jabbar Molla of South Bedkashi said a fleet of 40 fishing boats arrived at Dublar Char on October 30, expressing hope that strengthened security measures would protect their lives and livelihoods.

Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD) Commodore (retd) Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad stressed the need for stronger coordination among the Navy, coast guard and other agencies to safeguard maritime security and coastal resources.

He said piracy poses threats not only to law and order but also to the coastal economy, food security, tourism and forest conservation.

Regular patrols, technology-driven surveillance, protection of confidential informants, accessible complaint mechanisms and community engagement are essential to ensuring sustainable coastal security, the former Navy officer and researcher added.