Armed bandit activity has again unsettled the Sundarbans and its coastal areas, with residents living in fear of abduction and ransom demands. Over the past year and a half, incidents of kidnapping, extortion, and armed robbery have increased across Shyamnagar in Satkhira, Koyra in Khulna, and surrounding forest zones. On May 14, eight forest workers were reportedly abducted at gunpoint from the Satkhira range of the western Sundarbans. Families claim the abductors identified themselves as members of several gangs and demanded 20,000 to 40,000 taka in ransom via mobile banking.

Local fishermen and honey collectors say they now face constant threats, with bandits monitoring their movements and demanding payments even from those with legal permits. Reports indicate that in early May, 20 to 22 people were abducted, with most released after paying around seven lakh taka. Several gangs, including Nanna Bhai/Don Bahini and Chhoto Jahangir Bahini, are said to be active again, some allegedly regrouping after earlier surrenders.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard stated that joint operations under “Operation Mangrove Shield” have detained over 60 bandits in the past 18 months. Authorities have increased patrols and urged forest workers to enter the forest only with valid permits and caution.