Robbery on merchant vessel at Mongla Port

A robbery occurred on the merchant vessel MV Sejyoti at Mongla Port in Bagerhat, where armed robbers tied up crew members and stole goods worth approximately Tk 50 lakh. 

The incident took place early Monday, May 26, 2025, in the Base Creek area of the Pussur channel.

The Bangladeshi-owned MV Sejyoti, operated by PNN Shipping Lines, had been stranded at the port since June 22, 2024, due to a mechanical fault after unloading stones from India. 

Sharif Jahidul Karim Amit, Khulna manager of the ship’s local agent, Al Safa Shipping Lines, reported that a group of 14 robbers armed with local weapons attacked the vessel from a fishing trawler. 

They tied up the seven crew members, including the chief officer, and looted the ship for about two hours.

The robbers stole crane grabs, wire ropes, engine bearings, fuel oil, supplies, and seven mobile phones. Three crew members were injured during the assault and received first aid through the shipping agent. Amit noted that this was the third such attack on the vessel, with Monday’s robbery being the most significant, involving goods worth Tk 50 lakh.

A written complaint has been filed with the Mongla Port Authority, Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies. 

Coast Guard Media Officer (Dhaka) Lieutenant Commander Harun Or Rashid confirmed that an operation, supported by intelligence activities, is underway to recover the stolen goods and apprehend the robbers. 

Mongla Port Authority Deputy Director (Board and Public Relations) Md Makruzzaman said, “We are aware of the incident, and an investigation is in progress.”