Fourteen fishermen from Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf have returned home after spending three days in the custody of Myanmar’s armed group, Arakan Army (AA), highlighting the continued risks faced by coastal communities along the border.
The fishermen reached their homes late on Tuesday night after being released from an AA base in Naikhyongdia under Maungdaw township. They alleged that they were physically abused during detention.
According to local sources, the fishermen were detained around 7:30am on Saturday while returning from fishing near Saint Martin’s Island in the southern Bay of Bengal.
Strong tidal currents caused them to lose direction and unintentionally enter Myanmar waters near Naikhyongdia in the Naf River, close to Shah Porir Dwip.
Members of the Arakan Army then took them into custody along with three fishing boats.
They were released on Tuesday (31 March) afternoon and returned between 10:30pm and 11pm to the western jetty and nearby coastal area of Shah Porir Dwip.
All 14 fishermen are residents of the Majher Para and Dangar Para areas of the island. They include Mostafizur Rahman (40), Farid Hossain (30), Rabiul Hasan (17), Abul Kalam (30), Mir Kashem Ali (40), Gias Uddin (25), Salauddin (18), Mohiuddin (22), Hossain Ahmed (38), Molla Kalu Mia (55), Abu Taher (40), Abdul Khalek, Jaber Mia (24) and Rahim Ullah (20).
Returning fisherman Salauddin said they lost direction due to tidal currents and unknowingly entered Myanmar waters. “Arakan Army members detained us and tortured us while in custody,” he said.
Another fisherman, Mohiuddin, said they were held for three days and endured significant hardship. He said they waited for communication with Bangladeshi authorities before being released.
Families expressed relief at their return, although concern remains. Rashida Begum, mother of Gias Uddin, Salauddin and Mohiuddin, said she had prayed continuously during their detention and was grateful for their safe return.
Authorities said they had been aware of the situation from the beginning and coordinated with relevant agencies to ensure the fishermen’s safe return.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Enamul Hafiz Nadim said “Such incidents in border areas are undesirable and that surveillance has been strengthened to prevent recurrence.”
He added that fishermen are regularly advised to remain cautious while fishing in the Naf River.
Officials and local stakeholders told TIMES of Bangladesh such incidents are not new. Data from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local fishermen’s associations show that over the past one and a half years, more than 400 fishermen have been detained at different times by the Arakan Army for alleged border violations, with around 250 returned.
On 16 February, 73 fishermen returned in the most recent release. Through BGB efforts, 189 fishermen and 27 trawlers have been recovered in several phases. However, 172 fishermen and 32 trawlers remain detained in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
A reliable source said more fishermen may still be in custody, raising concern among coastal communities.
Locals urged the authorities to take effective steps to ensure safe fishing conditions, saying a long-term solution is needed to reduce risks in the border region.
