Coast Guard Denies Involvement in Disappearance of Bagerhat Man Facing Criminal Charges
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The Bangladesh Coast Guard has formally contested allegations regarding the disappearance of Miraj Sheikh from the Joymonirghol area of Bagerhat’s Mongla upazila, labeling reports published by the national daily Prothom Alo as one-sided and unsubstantiated. The media reports, which surfaced in late July following an investigation by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), suggested the Coast Guard was involved in the disappearance.
In a formal rebuttal, the Coast Guard denied ever detaining or holding Miraj Sheikh in custody. The maritime security agency stated that after conducting an internal review of operational records, patrol logs, and activity reports from the specified dates, no evidence of involvement was found. Furthermore, the agency asserted that no operations were conducted in the Joymonirghol area on the day the disappearance allegedly occurred.
According to the Coast Guard, Miraj Sheikh was a known associate of a forest pirate gang operating within the Sundarbans. The agency alleged that he facilitated logistics and communications for the criminal group, tracked Coast Guard movements, and assisted in collecting extortion money from fishermen. Officials noted that Sheikh is currently the subject of multiple criminal cases and active arrest warrants. Investigators are reportedly examining the possibility that his disappearance stems from internal gang conflicts over money or organizational disputes.
The Coast Guard further pointed out that the general diary filed at the Mongla Police Station on April 23 regarding the disappearance contained no accusations or suspicions directed toward their personnel. The agency suggested that the recent allegations might be retaliatory, noting that many of the individuals involved in the complaints are suspects in a June 11 incident, during which a Coast Guard station in Harbaria was attacked, government property was vandalized, and an attempt was made to hijack a government vessel.
In response to the controversy, Prothom Alo maintained that its coverage was based on a press release and investigative findings issued by ASK, rather than an independent investigation conducted by the newspaper itself.
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