Once hailed as success stories of the government’s 2018 “bandit rehabilitation drive,” the notorious Jahangir Bahini has once again resurfaced deep inside the Sundarbans. In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard (TBS), gang leader Jahangir Sheikh and his associates opened up about their return to the outlawed path, accusing the state of betrayal, broken promises, and relentless harassment.
The scene inside the camp that TBS reporters witnessed looked more like a militia than a group of outlaws: every member armed with loaded weapons, stationed either in makeshift forest hideouts or aboard boats disguised as fishing vessels. The group runs with military-like structure, complete with roles such as engineer, medic, cook, and barber. Local fishermen seeking permission to enter the forest are forced to pay “fees” through mobile banking transfers, their names logged in a registry before being allowed to collect fish or crabs.
From “Surrendered Outlaws” to “Betrayed Citizens”
Jahangir Sheikh recalled surrendering in 2018 along with nine members, under a state deal mediated by RAB. “We were promised a chance to live normal lives. But what we got was two small cash installments, maybe a cow or a shop—nothing sustainable,” he said. Worse, he alleged police and local authorities framed him in false cases whenever crimes occurred nearby. “They saw us as easy scapegoats. Even when I sought protection from RAB, they refused to help. Eventually, we had no choice but to return to the forest.”
His associate, Md. Zainal Abedin alias Rajon alias Dada Bhai, described a similar story. After surrender, he tried to live quietly, even taking up a job in Chattogram. But RAB allegedly forced him to abandon his work, kept him under surveillance, and later detained and tortured him. “I was jailed under false charges while my wife underwent a C-section alone. My newborn couldn’t even drink his mother’s milk properly. That pain still haunts me,” he told TBS, breaking down in anger.
Another leader, Manjur Sardar, echoed the grievances: “They lured us with promises, then treated us worse than dogs. When those who brought us into the light turned their backs, we had no option but to go back.”
A Pattern of Broken Promises
From 2016 to 2018, RAB had declared the Sundarbans “bandit-free” after 32 gangs and 328 bandits surrendered with hundreds of weapons. But after last year’s August 5 Uprising and the subsequent weakening of RAB operations, at least 20 gangs have reportedly resurfaced. Fishermen, bawalis, and mawalis are again being extorted and held hostage.
Yet, Jahangir Bahini insists they are not beyond redemption. “If the Chief Adviser gives us real opportunities, not empty promises, we will lay down our arms again,” said Jahangir. “We have families too—we don’t want this life forever.”
Even Dada Bhai put it bluntly: “No force can truly rid the Sundarbans of bandits unless we surrender. We know this forest better than anyone. If the government is serious, it must treat us as humans and give us a fair path back.”
Authorities Aware, Coast Guard on Alert
Forest officials admit their limits in combating the resurgent gangs. Khulna Regional Forest Conservator Imran Ahmed confirmed that the matter has been escalated, with the Coast Guard now tasked to lead anti-bandit operations.
According to Coast Guard’s Lt. Commander Abrar Hasan, 26 operations have been conducted since August 2024, seizing weapons and rescuing hostages. He added, “If any group wishes to surrender again, we are ready to coordinate with the government to create that pathway.”
For now, the Sundarbans remains a battleground between state forces and resurgent bandit gangs—where fishermen and forest dwellers are caught in the crossfire.
Source: The Business Standard (TBS) exclusive field report.
