Members of Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) detained three suspected robbers after an exchange of gunfire during a two-day operation in the Sundarbans, officials said on Friday.

During the drive, they also recovered firearms, locally made weapons, ammunition and communication equipment from the suspects, said BCG Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan.

The detainees were identified as Md Mehedi Hasan, 25, and Md Ramzan Sharif, 19, of Mongla upazila in Bagerhat district, and Md Enayet, 25, of Bhanga upazila in Faridpur district.

The recovered items include three single-barrel guns, a locally made pistol, 49 rounds of live ammunition, 187 rounds of airgun pellets, two walkie-talkie sets and four walkie-talkie chargers.

According to the BCG official, members of the notorious “Karim Sharif’” gang were staying in the Mara Chanmia Khali canal area along the Shela River in the Sundarbans.

Acting on a tip-off, the BCG personnel from Base Mongla and Station Kokilmoni launched a special operation titled “Operation Mangrove Shield” in the area from 5:00pm on Wednesday, which continued for two days.

“During the operation, the robbers opened fire after sensing the presence of Coast Guard members. The coastguards also returned fire in self-defence,” said Sujan.

At one stage, the suspects attempted to flee, but the force members chased and detained three alleged active members of the gang, he added.

During preliminary interrogation, the detainees reportedly confessed to being involved with the “Karim Sharif” gang for a long time and to abducting fishermen and forest workers for ransom.

“Such operations will continue to make the Sundarbans free from robber gangs and their associates,” Suajn added.