Wednesday, 27 August, 2025
Joint security forces launched a large-scale operation on the Meghna River in Munshiganj’s Gazaria on Tuesday, hours after pirates opened fire on a police patrol speedboat in the same area.
The gun attack, which left the patrol boat damaged but caused no casualties, marked the second confrontation between police and river pirates on the Meghna in less than a week. Last Friday, pirates engaged in a gunfight with river police during an anti-crime patrol near Bhaberchar, forcing officers to retreat under heavy fire. That clash highlighted the growing menace of armed gangs who have been extorting traders, fishermen, and sand-laden cargo vessels on the busy waterway.
In response to Tuesday’s assault, around 150 members of Gazaria police, river police, the Coast Guard, and RAB-11 took part in a coordinated operation that began at 3:45 pm. Using speedboats and trawlers, the forces carried out combing operations along riverbanks in Jamalpur, Baluakandi, and surrounding areas known as pirate hideouts.
As part of the crackdown, security personnel searched the homes of listed criminals Ashraf Uddin and Abul Kalam. Separate raids targeted the residences of notorious local gang leaders Noyon, Pias, and Ripon in Jamalpur village. However, none of the suspects were arrested during the initial operation.
Police officials said the raids were intended to dismantle pirate strongholds and restore confidence among river users. “These gangs have been terrorising traders and boatmen on the Meghna for years. After the repeated attacks on law enforcement, we have intensified our operations to bring them to justice,” said a senior officer involved in the crackdown.
Local residents said the pirates, often armed with automatic weapons, collect tolls from cargo vessels and fishing boats, and sometimes abduct crew members for ransom. Despite periodic raids, the gangs often regroup under different leaders, making it difficult to stamp out the network completely.
Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue joint operations in the coming days, with a particular focus on Jamalpur and Bhaberchar areas, where pirate gangs are reported to maintain strongholds. Officials confirmed that further raids will target arms suppliers and financiers who support the networks.
The Meghna River remains one of the busiest waterways for transporting goods to Dhaka and other districts. Police said protecting it from pirate attacks is essential not only for trade but also for the safety of thousands of commuters who travel by launch and ferry every day.
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Joint security forces launched a large-scale operation on the Meghna River in Munshiganj’s Gazaria on Tuesday, hours after pirates opened fire on a police patrol speedboat in the same area.
The gun attack, which left the patrol boat damaged but caused no casualties, marked the second confrontation between police and river pirates on the Meghna in less than a week. Last Friday, pirates engaged in a gunfight with river police during an anti-crime patrol near Bhaberchar, forcing officers to retreat under heavy fire. That clash highlighted the growing menace of armed gangs who have been extorting traders, fishermen, and sand-laden cargo vessels on the busy waterway.
In response to Tuesday’s assault, around 150 members of Gazaria police, river police, the Coast Guard, and RAB-11 took part in a coordinated operation that began at 3:45 pm. Using speedboats and trawlers, the forces carried out combing operations along riverbanks in Jamalpur, Baluakandi, and surrounding areas known as pirate hideouts.
As part of the crackdown, security personnel searched the homes of listed criminals Ashraf Uddin and Abul Kalam. Separate raids targeted the residences of notorious local gang leaders Noyon, Pias, and Ripon in Jamalpur village. However, none of the suspects were arrested during the initial operation.
Police officials said the raids were intended to dismantle pirate strongholds and restore confidence among river users. “These gangs have been terrorising traders and boatmen on the Meghna for years. After the repeated attacks on law enforcement, we have intensified our operations to bring them to justice,” said a senior officer involved in the crackdown.
Local residents said the pirates, often armed with automatic weapons, collect tolls from cargo vessels and fishing boats, and sometimes abduct crew members for ransom. Despite periodic raids, the gangs often regroup under different leaders, making it difficult to stamp out the network completely.
Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue joint operations in the coming days, with a particular focus on Jamalpur and Bhaberchar areas, where pirate gangs are reported to maintain strongholds. Officials confirmed that further raids will target arms suppliers and financiers who support the networks.
The Meghna River remains one of the busiest waterways for transporting goods to Dhaka and other districts. Police said protecting it from pirate attacks is essential not only for trade but also for the safety of thousands of commuters who travel by launch and ferry every day.
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