Robbery biggest hurdle for fishing in Bay

They defy the mysterious, uncertain sea, fighting against storms and huge waves to make a living by fishing in the sea, yet their biggest concern in the Bay of Bengal is not the natural elements but the robber gangs active there.

Ten members of Master Bahini, a notorious gang led by Mostafa Sheikh alias Qader Master surrendered with their 52 arms to the law enforcers in presence of the home minister in Mongla port area on May 31, much to the happiness of local fishermen and fish traders.

But three more pirate gangs unleashed a reign of terror for the fishermen going to the Bay from coastal districts Patuakhai and Barguna.

On June 14, a gang kidnapped 12 fishermen from Narikelbaria area under Pathorghata upazila in Barguna district from two trawlers Mayer Doa-1 and Mayer Doa-2. Alhough all the fishermen were able to come back from pirates, their trawler capsized in a storm on the way to the Sundarbans.

"After the surrender of Master Bahini, three gangs, namely, Jahangir Bahini, Zero Bahini and Sagor Bahini, became active in the Bay. Robber leaders often call fishermen over phone and demand toll for fishing in the Bay," said Ansar Mollah, president of Mohipur Hilsa Fish Traders Association.

On an average every year, different gangs based in the Sundarbans kidnap over 5,000 fishermen and loot over 500 fishing trawlers in the area, said Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, president of Barguna District Fishing Trawler Owners Association.

"Last year, at least six pirates were killed in fighting with law enforcers and during violence among the gangs. At least 88 pirates were reported to be killed in last 10 years," he said.

SM Ziaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Pathorghata Police Station, said, "We set up a police camp at Padma village in Pathorghata upazila of Barguna district on June 12 to ensure fishermen's safety."

"We also arranged meeting with fishermen and fish traders in different areas including Char Doani, Kakchira and Bangladesh Fish Development Center in Pathorghata to discuss the issue," he added.

Syed Abdur Rouf, commander of the coastguard camp in Pathorghata, said, "We regularly arrange patrol in the Bay. If fishermen give information about robber gangs, we will take immediate step."