Fisherman killed in Sundarbans shooting, sparking attack on forest office

A crab-hunting trip turns deadly as tensions erupt between locals and forest officials

A fisherman has been shot dead in the Sundarbans while collecting crabs, triggering a violent attack on a Forest Department office and leaving five officials injured in retaliatory unrest.

The incident took place near Shatamukhi Canal under the Khulna Range on Monday morning, Shyamnagar Police chief Khaledur Rahman said.

The dead was identified as Aminur Rahman, 45, from Sora village in Shyamnagar Upazila.

Following the death, anger erupted in the area, and villagers reportedly stormed a Forest Department office, injuring five personnel.

Officer Khaledur Rahman said police, led by Sub-Inspector Aniruddha, were deployed after reports of the attack.

“I was attending a coordination meeting of officers in Satkhira Sadar. I am now heading to the scene. The situation remains tense,” he said.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Mashiur Rahman of the Sundarbans Satkhira Range said villagers and fishermen attacked the office, injuring five staff who were sent to Satkhira Medical College Hospital.

The injured include Forester Sheikh Md Faruk Ahmed, forest guards Md Mejbaul Islam, Foyzur Rahman, Azadul Islam and outsourced staff Ekhlasur Rahman.

West Sundarbans Divisional Forest Officer AZM Hasanur Rahman said it was still unclear who fired the fatal shot.

“We are heading there by speedboat and have launched a full investigation,” he said.

Witnesses claimed forest guards from a smart patrol team signalled a fishing boat before opening fire when it failed to comply, killing Aminur Rahman on the spot.

Locals have condemned the incident, demanding a fair investigation and punishment for those responsible.

Gabura Union Parishad Chairman Masudul Alam said senior officials, including the DFO, ACF, Upazila administration and police, had been informed and assured legal action after investigation.