20000403

Dacoities on

rise in BD

fishing boats

DHAKA: The number of dacoities in fishing boats has increased alarmingly in the Bay of Bengal hampering fishing seriously.

According to the available reports, about 10 dacoities were committed in the fishing boats in the Bay of Bengal during the last one month. At least 40 fishermen were injured and fishing nets and engines worth about TK.20 lakh looted by the dacoits.

Fishermen adjoining the Teknaf are in constant panic of the armed dacoits. Recently dacoits threw 17 fishermen into the Bay of Bengal. After three hours some fishing boats of the said fishermen were recovered from the Bay.

However, the fishermen were able to catch hold of 10 dacoits, including 6 Myanmar citizens, with one gun and bullets from the sea.

These dacoits were preparing to attack a fishing boat. Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) also arrested 5 armed dacoits, including one Myanmar citizen, from the river Naf when they were preparing to commit dacoities. The BDR personnel also recovered two sharp weapons from them.ÑAFP