The Coast Guard rescued nine fishermen abducted by bandits and arrested two members of the notorious Ranga Bahini along with firearms and ammunition in the Sundarbans early Friday.
The detainees were identified as Nasir Molla, 31, of Bagerhat, and Mintu Sardar, 40, of Khulna. According to the Coast Guard, they had long been involved with Ranga Bahini in robbery, supplying firearms, ammunition, and essentials.
Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, media officer of the Coast Guard, said members of Ranga Bahini had abducted several fishermen for ransom and held them captive in the Adachagi area of the Sundarbans. Acting on a tip-off, Coast Guard members launched a special drive in the early hours of Friday.
Sensing their presence, the bandits tried to flee.
Later, the Coast Guard members chased and arrested two associates of the gang, seizing two single-barrel guns, two fresh rounds, eight empty cartridges, three sets of tools for making local firearms, and one homemade weapon.
During the drive, the abducted fishermen were also rescued.
The rescued fishermen, all from Dakop upazila in Khulna, had entered the Sundarbans on September 3 to catch fish and crabs. They were abducted by Ranga Bahini on Thursday night, who later demanded ransom for their release.
The arrested bandits, rescued fishermen, and seized items are being processed for further legal action, the Coast Guard said.