RAB arrested six pirates along with looted goods and arms and bullets after a three-day operation in the sea off the coast of Cox's Bazar.
Commander of RAB-15 Cox's Bazar Battalion Lieutenant Colonel HM Sajjad Hossain gave this information in a press conference organized at Jetty No. 6 of Bankkhali River in Cox's Bazar on Friday afternoon.
The arrested are - son of Mahmud Ullah of Lemsikhali Union of Kutubdia upazila. Badsha (27) and son of Rahim Ullah of Musalia Sikdar neighborhood. Maruful Islam (22) and Raihan Uddin (22) son of Mohammad Ismail of Julekhabibir neighborhood of Dakshin Dhurung Union of the same upazila, Ershadul Islam (20) son of deceased Kabir Ahmad of Pechharpara and Saharum Sikdar neighborhood. Son of Yunus. Rafi (19). Apart from this, the other arrested person is Md. of Narikeltala area of EPZ police station in Chittagong. Son of Abu Bakr. Al-Amin (25).
In the press conference, Sajjad Hossain said that recently several pirate groups have become active based on various coastal points of the Bay of Bengal. A few days ago, a victim fisherman complained to RAB that his trawler was a victim of piracy at sea. Later, RAB increased intelligence surveillance in various areas of the sea coast based on the information obtained from the victim and with the help of technology.
"In the initial information received, RAB learned that a group of 10 to 12 pirates went to the Bay of Bengal for the purpose of robbery on January 21 with the help of a trawler. The pirate gang committed a robbery of a fishing trawler in the sea on January 22. "
The RAB official said, "Based on the information of the victim jail, the RAB started operations in the estuary of Bankkhali river and Maheshkhali coast from January 25. RAB members spotted a suspicious trawler in the sea off the coast of Maheshkhali on Thursday midnight and ordered it to stop. The pirates sensed their presence and started firing in surprise at the RAB members. In self-defence, the RAB members also fired a few shots in return. At one point, RAB members managed to seize the pirate trawler. " Later, 6 pirates were arrested from the trawler but 4/5 escaped by jumping into the sea. Meanwhile, the trawler was searched and 3 country-made guns, 13 bullets and 3 sharp blades were recovered from the custody of the detainees. "
The arrested are members of an organized pirate group and there are multiple cases against each of them on various charges including piracy.
