Seven Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly detained by members of the Arakan Army while returning from fishing in the Naf River near Teknaf on Thursday (April 30) afternoon.
The incident occurred around 2:00 pm in waters adjacent to Sabrang Nayapara and Shah Porir Dwip.
The detained fishermen were identified as Abdur Rahman, Abdul Matlab, Gura Mia, and Md Hasan from Sabrang Nayapara, and Ahmed Ali, Nurul Absar, and Abdur Rahim from Shah Porir Dwip.
According to local sources, the fishermen had gone to the river early in the morning and were returning after catching fish when they were intercepted and taken away along with their boat by the armed group. The incident has triggered panic in the border areas.
A local union parishad member said the fishermen regularly go to the river for their livelihood and had followed the same routine on the day of the incident.
Family members of the detained fishermen expressed deep concern. One relative said the family depends entirely on daily fishing income, adding that uncertainty over their return has created distress.
The owner of the fishing boat also urged authorities to take immediate steps to ensure their safe return.
Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commander of Border Guard Bangladesh Teknaf-2 Battalion, said the matter has come to his attention, and instructions have been given to the concerned BOP commander to verify details.
Meanwhile, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Imamul Hafiz said efforts are underway in coordination with the Coast Guard and BGB to bring the fishermen back safely.
Concern is growing among local residents, who fear that such incidents may increase along the border if prompt action is not taken.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
