Seventy-three Bangladeshi fishermen have finally returned home after being detained at different times by the Arakan Army in Myanmar.
On Monday (16 February) at around 4:30pm, they were brought back to Bangladesh through the Teknaf Transit Jetty in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, through coordinated efforts by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies.
After a prolonged period away, the fishermen expressed relief and joy upon setting foot on home soil. An emotional scene unfolded at the Teknaf jetty as anxious family members welcomed their loved ones back.
Officials from the security agencies said that at various times in 2025, the fishermen had inadvertently crossed maritime boundaries while fishing in the Naf River and were subsequently detained by the Arakan Army. They were reportedly held in different camps inside Myanmar.
Authorities further stated that security forces in the Cox’s Bazar region undertook coordinated humanitarian initiatives to secure their release.
Following continuous communication, mediation and negotiations with senior representatives of the Arakan Army, the first group of 73 detainees was released and repatriated.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
