Bandits loot fishing trawer in the Bay: 12 fishermen hurt

Injured fishermen under treatment at Kalapara Hospital

Patuakhali: At least twelve fishermen, including fisherman Ayub Majhi, were injured in a pirate attack in the deep Bay of Bengal adjacent to Kuakata in Patuakhali. At that time, the pirates looted fish, nets, fuel oil and other goods worth lakhs of taka from the trawler.

The incident took place at 5 am on Wednesday (August 5) in the Khamba Boya Bati area of the deep Bay of Bengal, approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Kuakata. The injured fishermen have been rescued and admitted to a local hospital.

The seriously injured Ayub Majhi is the son of Abul Kalam of Dakshin Aicha area of Char Fashion, Bhola. He has been sent to Kalapara 50-bed hospital for treatment. The rest have returned home after receiving primary treatment.

Md. Ibrahim, a victim fisherman on the FB Mim trawler that was caught by pirates, said that while they were returning to shore with fish from the sea, a group of about 25 armed pirates in a yellow trawler flying two black flags surrounded their trawler. At this time, 12 of the 16 fishermen on the trawler were severely beaten and seriously injured. Later, they beat the fishermen at gunpoint and looted the fish, nets, diesel, mobile phones and other valuables in the trawler.

President of the Mahipur Fisheries Traders Association Md. Fazlu Gazi said that there had been no presence of pirates in the sea for quite some time. However, due to the recent increase in the activity of pirates in the deep sea, there is panic among the fishermen. He demanded the immediate arrest of the robbers and strengthening of naval patrols in the sea.

In this regard, Coast Guard Nizampur Contingent Commander Md. Shahidullah said, "We have heard about the matter. We are on a mission, you talk to the intelligence branch."

Officer-in-charge of Payra Port Naval Police Outpost Md. Nayan Tarkun said, "We have just come to know about the matter. We are investigating. The incident will be investigated seriously, the culprits will be identified and brought to justice, and our patrols will be further strengthened." - Gofran Palash