Sundarbans Fishermen Face Extortion Fears as Three-Month Fishing Ban Ends
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Fishermen and forest-dependent communities in the Sundarbans are preparing to resume activities as a three-month seasonal ban on forest entry concludes. While the lifting of the ban on September 1 offers a reprieve from months of economic hardship, many express deep-seated fears regarding the resurgence of pirate gangs who demand illegal tolls from those entering the mangrove forest for fishing and harvesting.
Activity has intensified across coastal villages adjacent to the Sundarbans, where fishermen have spent the final days of the ban repairing boats, mending nets, and applying fresh coats of paint. However, for many, the anticipation of returning to work is overshadowed by the threat of extortion. Fishermen report that criminal groups often demand upfront payments, sometimes referred to as “slips,” to permit safe passage into the forest. According to local accounts, these gangs have historically charged upwards of 5,000 taka per boat for a 15-day window.
Abul Kalam, a fisherman from Mathbari village in Koyra, stated that the reported increase in pirate activity threatens to undermine their already fragile livelihoods. For many, including Ripon Gazi of Nildumur village, the three-month ban resulted in significant debt, and the prospect of paying mandatory “tolls” to criminal groups makes earning a sustainable living nearly impossible. Fishermen often operate on razor-thin margins, requiring substantial investments in fuel and provisions before even casting their nets.
Authorities have acknowledged the ongoing security concerns. Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Shamsul Arefin, an operations officer for the Coast Guard West Zone, stated that intelligence operations are underway to identify and apprehend the local collaborators who facilitate the illegal toll-collection process. He expressed optimism that the situation for fishermen would improve shortly after the forest reopens.
The Sundarbans, covering over 6,000 square kilometers, is a vital economic hub, supporting approximately 12,000 licensed boats for fishermen, woodcutters, and honey collectors. Annual bans, which run from June 1 to August 31, are implemented to protect the forest’s rich biodiversity, including its hundreds of species of fish, birds, and wildlife.
A.Z.M. Hasanur Rahman, a divisional forest officer for the Sundarbans West, maintained that the Forest Department has made every effort to enforce the ban and monitor illegal activities. He stated that the department is working in close coordination with the Coast Guard to combat forest-related crimes, utilizing both “smart patrols” and foot surveillance to ensure the safety of those entering the region.
Despite these assurances, some community members remain skeptical. Several fishermen alleged that illegal fishing, including the use of poisons, continued unabated during the ban period, further depleting resources. As they prepare to venture back into the forest, these workers emphasize that they are driven by economic desperation rather than choice, hoping for a season free from both financial ruin and criminal interference.
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