A fisherman named Mokarram Majhi was killed and several others went missing when pirates attacked a fishing vessel in the Bay of Bengal, west of the Sonadia Channel near Maheshkhali, early on Thursday (7 November).
In a desperate attempt to save themselves, several fishermen leapt into the sea and remain unaccounted for.
The deceased, Mokarram, was the husband of a female member of the Union Parishad (UP) from Kutubdia.
The fishing vessel, which had departed from the Kutubdia coast with multiple crew members, fell victim to the attack around 4am, according to Abdul Halim, Chairman of North Dhurung Union Parishad in Kutubdia.
The deceased fisherman has been identified as Mokarram Majhi, son of late Jafar Ahmed of Azim Uddin Sikdar Para in North Dhurung Union, and husband to Rahima Begum, a female member representing Block Three of the North Dhurung Union Parishad.
Chairman Abdul Halim confirmed that Mokarram was fatally shot by pirates during a fishing trip west of Sonadia.
Reports indicate that several others from the fishing trawler are also missing.
Local sources and police reported that the fishing vessel, controlled by Mokarram, was targeted by pirates after the crew cast their nets for a second round of fishing.
Realising the danger, the fishermen attempted to flee, prompting the pirates to open fire. Mokarram was struck by a bullet and fell into the sea.
He was later rescued by other fishermen and taken to the Kutubdia Mognama Ghat, from where they attempted to transport him to Chattogram for medical care. Unfortunately, Mokarram succumbed to his injuries near the Banshkhali point en route. His body has since been taken to Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex, where it currently remains.
Banshkhali Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam stated that the deceased was brought to the Banshkhali Health Complex after being fatally shot in the deep sea near Maheshkhali.
Police have collected an inquest report on the body and are making arrangements for a post-mortem examination.
