21 Fishermen Missing in Sundarbans, No Trace After Five Days

Printed On: Oct 1, 2026 || Published On: Sep 30, 2026

21 Fishermen Missing in Sundarbans, No Trace After Five Days

Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent:

Twenty-one fishermen who went missing while fishing in the Sundarbans have remained untraced for five days, raising growing concern among their families. The fishermen were allegedly abducted after armed men attacked several fishing boats and trawlers in the eastern Sundarbans on the nights of September 25 and 26.

The incidents reportedly occurred around the Narkelbaria, Amraria, Bhadra and Bhanga areas under the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges. The Coast Guard has launched search operations in different parts of the forest to locate the missing fishermen. Drones are also being used to monitor areas where the suspected armed groups may be hiding.

According to forest officials and local sources, the armed men attacked several boats while the fishermen were engaged in fishing. The fishermen were allegedly held hostage and their fishing equipment, mobile phones and other belongings were taken away. A fishing trawler was also reportedly taken during the incidents.

Some local sources have alleged that members of the Majnu, Karim Sharif and Bara Jahangir groups may have been involved. However, law enforcement agencies have not officially confirmed the involvement of any particular group.

The disappearance has caused severe anxiety among the families of the fishermen. Relatives have urged the authorities to intensify the operation and rescue the missing fishermen alive.

Several local boat owners and fish traders are also reportedly trying to establish contact with the suspected abductors. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some traders said attempts were being made to communicate and negotiate secretly. They, however, declined to disclose whether any specific ransom amount had been demanded.

Md. Shariful Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forests of the Sharankhola Range, said the missing fishermen had not yet been traced and the Coast Guard operation was continuing. He advised fishermen staying in the Sundarbans to remain in groups at night and stay near forest department offices or patrol outposts for safety.

Coast Guard personnel are conducting searches along waterways while drones are being used to monitor remote areas. No confirmed information about the whereabouts of the 21 fishermen had been obtained as of Wednesday.

The prolonged disappearance has also created fear among other fishermen working in the Sundarbans. They have called for increased patrols by the forest department and Coast Guard to ensure their safety.