Fresh Wave of Piracy in Kishoreganj Haor Triggers Security Concerns
Photo Collected
A surge in violent robberies across the Kishoreganj haor region has sparked widespread alarm among boat operators and passengers, following a second attack in less than 24 hours. The latest incident occurred Wednesday evening near the Bogadubi canal, adjacent to the Borshikura-Sherpur bridge in Itna upazila.
Victim Sadaranjan Das, a resident of Sunamganj’s Shalla upazila, was traveling by engine-powered boat to purchase ducklings in Tarail upazila when the assault took place. According to local accounts, a group of seven masked individuals wearing helmets intercepted the boat, brandishing indigenous weapons to force the vessel to a halt. The attackers proceeded to strip the boat of its engine components, cooking utensils, two mobile phones, and 75,000 taka in cash.
Witnesses noted that the victims were discovered in a state of shock by a local river guard, Phul Miah, who heard cries for help from the canal. Despite a pursuit by local residents, the perpetrators managed to escape into the darkness toward the Elongjuri union.
This incident follows a separate robbery on Tuesday night near the Chongnoagaon sluice gate. In that encounter, victims reported that the assailants ignored pleas to spare them, even after being informed that the vessel was transporting the body of a deceased child.
With at least three documented robberies occurring in the past month, local communities are demanding an immediate increase in maritime police patrols. While Itna police station officer-in-charge Habibullah Khan stated that no formal written complaint had been filed regarding the latest incident as of Thursday, he assured that an investigation would commence upon receipt of a report.
District Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mizanur Rahman confirmed that law enforcement is actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent string of attacks. He noted that authorities have already secured the arrests of three suspects linked to a robbery that occurred last month. To bolster security, the police have established three control rooms at strategic points, including the Balikhala ferry terminal, Nikli embankment, and the Itna-Mithamain-Astagram all-weather road. In the interim, officials have strongly advised boat operators and passengers to avoid nighttime travel across the haor.
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