The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 21 fishermen held hostage by the notorious Dayal Bahini and Boro Jahangir Bahini during two separate operations in the Sundarbans. The operations were conducted under the ongoing campaigns “Operation Restore Peace in Sundarbans” and “Operation Mangrove Shield.” A single-barrel gun and several rounds of ammunition were seized during the raids, according to a press release issued on May 22, 2026.

The first operation took place early on May 21 in the Andarmanik area of Koyra, Khulna, where 10 fishermen were freed after the gang fled into the forest. Later that day, another operation was carried out in the Boro Dudhmukh canal area of Dakop, Khulna, where 11 more fishermen were rescued following an exchange of gunfire. The armed robbers managed to escape, leaving behind the seized weapon and ammunition.

Authorities stated that legal action regarding the recovered arms is underway and that the rescued fishermen are being returned to their families. The Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to continue such operations until the Sundarbans region is completely free of bandit activity.