The Myanmar Navy has released 56 Bangladeshi fishermen along with their six fishing trawlers, who were detained while fishing in the waters near Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf.
According to Abdul Mannan, a member of the Sabrang Union Parishad (Ward 7), the trawlers were seized on Wednesday afternoon, approximately 10-15 kilometers south of Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. Since then, no contact could be established with the fishermen.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, the commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-2 in Teknaf, confirmed the release on Thursday (March 6).
Citing the trawler owners, Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman stated that the fishing boats were operating in the southwestern waters near Saint Martin’s Island on Wednesday afternoon when they mistakenly crossed Myanmar’s maritime boundary. This prompted the Myanmar Navy to detain the fishermen and seize their trawlers.
The detained trawlers belonged to several fishermen from Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf, including Md. Bashir Ahmed. Amin, Nurul Amin, Abdur Rahim, and Md. Shafik, the latter of whom owned two of the six trawlers.
Incidents of Bangladeshi fishermen being detained for inadvertently crossing into Myanmar’s territorial waters are not uncommon. However, diplomatic efforts in recent times have led to quicker resolutions, ensuring their safe return.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik, Rajin Saleh
File Photo
