Notorious Doyal Gang Member Arrested, Arms Seized

In a significant operation in the Sundarbans, the Bangladesh Coast Guard has apprehended an active member of the notorious Doyal gang. Based on information provided by the suspect, authorities recovered a firearm and four rounds of live ammunition.

Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the Coast Guard’s media officer, confirmed the arrests in a press release on Tuesday (10 March). The detained individual, Abdul Halim, 36, is a resident of Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira.

According to the press release, intelligence indicated that a Doyal gang member was due to enter the Sundarbans to deliver supplies. Acting on this information, Coast Guard Base Mongla and Outpost Nolian jointly launched a targeted operation at Shibsha River, under the jurisdiction of Dakop Police Station, at 10:00 am on Tuesday.

During the operation, Abdul Halim, who was supplying arms, ammunition, and other logistical support to the gang, was apprehended. Following information obtained from Halim, a second operation was conducted at 1:00 pm near the Takattola Canal area within Dakop Police Station limits. This led to the recovery of a single-barrel firearm and four live cartridges.

The Coast Guard reported that Abdul Halim had long been associated with the Doyal gang, actively assisting in robbery and other criminal activities within the Sundarbans. The recovered arms and ammunition, along with the detained individual, are currently subject to ongoing legal proceedings.

Officials emphasised that Coast Guard patrols and operations will continue to maintain a dacoit-free Sundarbans, aiming to prevent further criminal and illicit activities in the region.

For clarity, the key details of the operations and seizure are summarised in the table below:

The Coast Guard has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Sundarbans and ensuring it remains free of dacoits, with regular patrols and intelligence-led operations continuing across the forested waterways.