Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Piracy resurges in Bangladesh's Sundarbans post-Hasina government ouster
Imagine a big forest in Bangladesh called the Sundarbans, which is home to many fishermen and people who collect honey.
For many years, dangerous pirates used to live there and scare everyone.
But the old government, led by Sheikh Hasina, worked very hard to stop them by catching them and offering them new jobs.
They were so successful that for a long time, there were no pirates, and people felt safe.
However, the old government left, and a new one took over.
Because the new government is busy with many other problems, the police and guards have less time to watch the forest.
Now, the pirates are coming back.
They are kidnapping people, asking for money, and making everyone afraid again.
The new government is trying to address the problem, but people worry if they can stop the pirates as effectively as the old government did.
Pirate activity has returned to Bangladesh's Sundarbans region following the 2024 political changes.
Fishermen, honey collectors, and crab farmers are being targeted with kidnappings and extortion demands.
Over 100 fishermen were kidnapped in the past month, and over 300 in the past year.
The current pirate resurgence is linked to a reduced security presence after the previous government's eradication efforts.
The interim government has initiated efforts to combat the renewed piracy, but concerns remain about effectiveness.
- Who
- Pirate gangs, fishermen, honey collectors, crab farmers, local officials, Coast Guard, and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
- What
- Piracy has resurfaced in the Sundarbans region, with pirate gangs engaging in attacks, kidnappings, and extortion after years of being suppressed.
- When
- Piracy began to resurface after August 5, 2024, following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, with increased activity in the past month and year.
- Where
- The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest region between Bangladesh and India, specifically in areas like the Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges.
- Why
- The resurgence is attributed to a perceived decrease in law enforcement presence and focus on other issues by the new interim government, following the political upheaval and widespread violence that preceded and followed the fall of the previous government.
Sheikh Hasina Government
Interim Government (Muhammad Yunus)
Effectiveness in Curbing Piracy
Sheikh Hasina Government
Successfully eradicated piracy in the Sundarbans through a combination of force, amnesty programs, and rehabilitation efforts, leading to a pirate-free region from 2018 to 2024.
Interim Government (Muhammad Yunus)
Facing a resurgence of piracy due to a diverted security apparatus and focus on other pressing national issues; efforts to establish new teams are underway but face skepticism regarding their effectiveness compared to the previous approach.
Approach to Security
Sheikh Hasina Government
Employed a mixed strategy of punishment for active pirates and reward (money, job training, loans) for those who surrendered and returned to normal life.
Interim Government (Muhammad Yunus)
Currently deploying security forces and forming special teams, but the previous approach of incentivizing surrender and rehabilitation has not been explicitly detailed as a core component of their immediate response to the resurgence.
- Resurgence of Pirate Groups
- At least 20 pirate groups are active again in the Sundarbans.
- Affected Populations
- Fishermen, honey collectors, and crab farmers.
- Recent Incidents
- Over 100 fishermen kidnapped in the past month; over 300 kidnapped and tortured in the last year.
- Ransom Demands
- Ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 taka for kidnapped individuals, and 20,000 to 30,000 taka per boat for 'protection'.
- Previous Eradication
- Piracy was declared eradicated by former PM Sheikh Hasina in November 2018.
- Government Response
- Interim government formed a special team with 500 guards and local helpers in October.
- Law Enforcement Actions
- Coast Guard operations have led to the arrest of around 40 pirates and recovery of weapons.
