Once again, Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), has abducted 19 Bangladeshi fishermen along with four fishing boats from the Naf River while they were returning to Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred on Thursday (February 20) between morning and noon in the Shah Porir Dwip Gholarchar and Naf River Naikshangdia areas. Meanwhile, four other Bangladeshi fishermen who were taken from the Naf River estuary on February 10 remain in captivity.
Confirming the incident, Abdul Jalil, President of the Teknaf Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association, said, “Today, while returning to Teknaf, two of our fishing trawlers carrying nine crew members were seized by Myanmar’s armed group. Previously, the abduction of six fishermen remains unresolved. These repeated incidents have created fear among fishermen and traders. We urge the government to intervene and resolve the issue.”
Abdus Gafur, the General Secretary of the Shah Porir Dwip Majherpara Boat Terminal, also reported the seizure of another two boats carrying ten fishermen. He said, “Two boats owned by Md. Kalaiya and Zafar Alam had gone fishing in the Naf River when members of the Arakan Army chased them down and captured them. This has left local fishermen in a state of panic.”
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, acknowledged the incident and stated, “We have received reports of fishermen abduction.” Discussions with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are underway to bring them back.”
Local fish trader Md. Tarequr Rahman expressed his concerns, saying, “Such abductions have become a recurring issue, causing immense distress among fishermen. Unless this is resolved, they will be reluctant to go to sea, which could hurt the fishing industry.”
A similar incident occurred on October 4 last year when six fishing trawlers carrying 58 fishermen set out from Shah Porir Dwip jetty. The Myanmar Navy abducted them five days later, on October 9. The Myanmar Navy also opened fire on a Bangladeshi trawler from a patrol speedboat at that time, injuring three fishermen, one of whom died immediately. The fishermen were later released following strong protests from Bangladesh.
The most recent repatriation effort occurred on October 15, when the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) successfully brought back 16 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been held by the Arakan Army after crossing into Rakhine State.
The recurring nature of these abductions highlights an ongoing security concern for Bangladeshi fishermen operating near the Myanmar border.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Hussain Shetu
