Seven Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted and two fishing boats seized by Myanmar-based armed group Arakan Army from the Naf River estuary near the Teknaf border on Thursday.
The incident occurred around 2pm near Nayapara and Shah Porir Dwip areas under Sabrang union.
The abducted fishermen are Abdur Rahman, Abdul Motlob, Gura Mia, and Md Hasan from Nayapara, and Ahmad Ali, Nurul Absar, and Abdur Rahim from Dail Para in Shah Porir Dwip.
Sabrang Union Parishad Ward 6 Member Abul Fayez said the fishermen went to the river in the morning and were intercepted while returning.
“They were fishing in the Naf River. Around 2:00pm, members of the Arakan Army stopped them and forcibly took them into Myanmar territory,” he said.
Boat owner Abdus Shukur said four of the fishermen were on his vessel when the group was taken.
He said the victims depend entirely on fishing for their livelihood and live in extreme hardship.
“My husband and two others have been taken. We are very poor. If we can catch fish, we eat. Otherwise, we go hungry. If he does not return, we will starve,” said Munni Akter, wife of Ahmad Ali.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Teknaf 2 Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan said the matter has been reported.
He said the local Border Outpost has been instructed to gather details and steps will be taken to secure the fishermen’s return.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Imamul Hafiz said the administration is working with BGB and the Coast Guard.
“We are in contact with all relevant authorities to ensure their safe return,” he said.
