At least 30 Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted along with five fishing trawlers by the Arakan Army (AA) near St. Martin’s Island in Teknaf on Wednesday (September 10) afternoon.
The incident occurred around 5:00 PM in the southeastern waters of the Bay of Bengal near the island. Owners from the Teknaf municipality own three of the seized trawlers, while residents of Shahpari Island own the other two.
According to the Teknaf Boat Owners’ Association, 20–30 Bangladeshi trawlers were fishing in the area when armed members of the Myanmar-based rebel group arrived in two speedboats, held the fishermen at gunpoint, and took five trawlers along with at least 30 men.
Local authorities, including BGB, Coast Guard, and the district administration, have been informed.
The Coast Guard confirmed that they have received reports and are gathering more information.
Lieutenant Commander Saleuddin Rashid Tanvir, in charge of the Teknaf Coast Guard Station, said, “We are verifying the details regarding this incident.”
This comes after a series of similar abductions — between August 5 and 31, AA abducted 81 fishermen with 13 trawlers, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Since December last year, the group has abducted 325 Bangladeshi fishermen from various points in the Naf River and Bay of Bengal.
Through multiple efforts by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 189 fishermen and 27 boats have been brought back so far.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
