Pirates demand ransom for release of 23 kidnapped

Bangladesh govt said exploring all options to secure release

Agency

AGARTALA, March 13, 2024: The Bangladeshi government hinted Wednesday that they may negotiate for the release of 23 citizens who were kidnapped from a cargo ship in the Indian Ocean Tuesday by armed Somali pirates. The foreign minister, Hasan Mahmud, stated that they have been unable to establish contact with the pirates, but they may seek the assistance of a "second party" to negotiate the release of the hostages.

The MV Abdullah was hijacked by Somali pirates Tuesday, and the families of the kidnapped individuals have reported that the pirates have threatened to kill them unless a ransom is paid. 

When asked about the plan for freeing the hostages and whether a ransom will be paid, Mahmud responded that their goal is to free the ship and its sailors, but the details of their strategy cannot be disclosed publicly. Mahmud also mentioned that another ship owned by the same company was hijacked by pirates three months ago, but was successfully rescued with the help of interventions.

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