Pirates loot trawlers, kidnap 3 fishermen

Pirates kidnapped three fishermen and looted huge fishes and nets from eight fishing boats in the Bay of Bengal in Narikelbaria coastal area of Bagerhat on Wednesday.
Witnesses said a gang of 15-20 bandits in a trawler swooped on the eight fishing boats at noon and looted the fishes and nets, UNB reported.
The robbers also took away three fishermen and demanded Tk 50,000 as ransom for release of each of them.
The pirates fled into the Sundarbans, threatening to kill the fishermen if their demand is not met by seven days.
Coast Guard’s Mongla West Zone officer (operation) Lt Col M Alauddin Nayan said they will launch a drive to rescue the abducted fishermen after scouting more information.
Earlier on Saturday last, pirates abducted seven fishermen and seized two fishing trawlers in the PashurRiver of the Sundarbans.