A group of armed pirates identifying themselves as 'Don Bahini' abducted 20 fishermen from the Satkhira range of the western Sundarbans on Thursday night. The abductors have demanded a ransom of 40,000 taka per person for their release. The fishermen were taken at gunpoint from the Mahamuda, Chunkuri, and Malancha river areas. According to survivors, an eight-member armed group seized one fisherman from each of 20 boats and later provided a phone number for families to contact.

The abductors are reportedly led by Veto Safiqul and Shahajan, who had previously surrendered arms to the Rapid Action Battalion but allegedly resumed piracy under the 'Don Bahini' name in recent months. Twelve of the abducted fishermen have been identified as residents of various villages in Shyamnagar upazila, while eight remain unidentified. Families of the victims are in fear and attempting to negotiate reduced ransom payments instead of approaching law enforcement.

Local residents claim pirate activity has increased in the Satkhira range over the past three months, while officials confirm receiving reports and have informed higher authorities.