Leaders of Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee have also demanded of the government to free the port from the grip of the mafia group.

Intelligence sources said the mafia group includes two prominent industrialists of Khulna city, a leader of Khulna Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, two officials of Mongla Port Authority, a fertiliser dealer of Noapara in Jessore district and five top former and present leaders of Mongla Bandar Sramik Sangha. Vigorous investigation is already going on against them.

When contacted, Mayor of Khulna Shaikh Tayebur Rahman said none of the mafia group would escape punishment under the law of the land.

Meanwhile, most of the 11 mafias have reportedly gone to Dhaka to persuade top officials of the shipping ministry to stop investigation against them. They are also trying to influence members of the parliamentary standing committee on shipping ministry, sources said.

One of the two prominent industrialists, who heads the mafia group, is among those now in Dhaka. He was also wanted by Rapid Action Battalion last year on charges of harbouring outlaws, the sources added.