The Myanmar-based armed rebel group Arakan Army (AA) has abducted 13 fishermen from Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, along with two trawlers, who had gone fishing south of St Martin in the Bay of Bengal.
Sajed Ahmed, president of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners Association of Teknaf Municipality, confirmed this information on Wednesday afternoon. He informed that the two trawlers along with the crew were taken away while they were fishing in the morning. Following the incident, trawler owners and fishermen are in a state of panic.
Trawler owner Md Syed Alam said, “Fishing in the Naf River and the sea has become impossible due to the Arakan Army. Fishermen and trawlers are being abducted every day. Even today, a trawler was abducted after its engine broke down. If this situation continues, dire times will fall upon fishermen and trawler owners.”
Myanmar-based media network Global Arakan Network reported that the Arakan Army has strengthened coastal security since 28 October. They stated that from January to July this year, approximately 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and 30 trawlers were detained and later released. However, operations against those violating the law are still ongoing.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “We have been informed about the abduction of the trawler and fishermen. The matter is being investigated, and the law enforcement agencies deployed at the border have been asked to look into it.”
Prior to this, on 5 November, 6 fishermen were abducted from the Naf River; on 28 October, 7 fishermen were abducted from Myanmar’s waters; and on 27 October, another 4 fishermen were abducted from the Naf River.
Sources indicate that in the last eight months, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 330 fishermen from the border areas adjacent to the Naf River and the St Martin Sea. Among them, approximately 200 fishermen were repatriated with the assistance of the BGB from March to August. At least 130 fishermen are still missing.
