Members of the Myanmar-based armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), have once again abducted four Bangladeshi fishermen along with two engine-driven boats from the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
The incident took place in the border area of the Naf River on Monday afternoon (18 May). Abchar and Nurul Hakim, the owners of the two boats, confirmed the matter to the Times of Bangladesh at approximately 8:00 pm.
According to the owners, the four fishermen had ventured into the Naf River at 6am on Monday to fish. At around 12:00 pm, while they were fishing, AA members arrived on a speedboat and took them hostage at gunpoint. The rebels also seized the two fishing boats and their nets.
The abducted fishermen have been identified as Md Monir Ahmed (45), Md Yasin (18), Abdul Malek alias Shofa (50), and Md Jamal Hossain (40). All of them are residents of the South Jaliapara area under Ward 9 of Teknaf Municipality.
Local fishermen Nurul Bashar and Nejam reported that the group was fishing in the territorial waters of the Naf River adjacent to Nazirpara, under Teknaf Sadar Union. The AA members reportedly took the hostages towards the Kaichyong Canal in Myanmar.
Expressing deep concern, former Teknaf Municipality Councillor Moniruzzaman said, “Four fishermen from my area have been picked up by the Arakan Army from the Naf River. This is very alarming. I urge the concerned authorities to rescue them quickly”.
Sulaiman, another fisherman from the Teknaf municipality area, remarked that fishing in the Naf River has become extremely hazardous due to frequent patrols by the Arakan Army.
“We are in a state of panic,” he said, noting how the fishermen were abducted at gunpoint. The recurring nature of these abductions has created a sense of insecurity among local fishermen, who are struggling to maintain their livelihoods.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commanding Officer of Teknaf Battalion-2 BGB, stated, “We have learnt about the abduction of four Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River through local sources.”
He added that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is on high alert and is maintaining communication with the relevant authorities to take necessary steps for their rescue.
The incident has intensified anxiety in the border settlements, particularly as it follows the recent return of 14 other Bangladeshi fishermen on 9 May, who were repatriated through lengthy diplomatic efforts by the BGB after being detained in the Bay of Bengal and Naf River areas.
Local residents have called for effective government intervention to ensure the safe and swift return of the abducted men.
