A Bangladeshi fisherman was shot and injured allegedly by members of the Arakan Army while fishing in the Myanmar waters of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Monday afternoon.
The injured fisherman, Md Idris, 55, son of the late Ibn Amin and a resident of Uttar Jaliapara in Teknaf municipality, was hit in the right knee and sustained serious injuries.
The incident occurred around 4:30pm in the Naf River near Nazirpara under Teknaf Sadar Union, according to local fishermen.
Fellow fishermen rescued Idris and took him to a hospital, where he received initial treatment. He was later taken home and is currently undergoing treatment there.
According to local fishermen, several Bangladeshi fishermen were fishing in the Myanmar side of the Naf River, east of Nazirpara, when members of the Arakan Army allegedly approached them.
The fishermen said the armed group chased them away and warned them against fishing in the area.
As the fishermen tried to return to the Bangladeshi side, the Arakan Army members allegedly opened fire on them. A bullet struck Idris in his right knee.
The other fishermen then rescued him and took him to hospital.
Zahid, president of the Jaliapara No 1 Switch Gate Fishermen’s Association in Teknaf municipality, said the fishermen were chased while fishing in Myanmar waters.
“Arakan Army members chased the fishermen around 4:30pm. When they were returning from the area, the group opened fire, and Idris was hit in the right leg,” he said.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury confirmed that a Bangladeshi fisherman had been shot while fishing in the Naf River.
“He was rescued and initially taken to Teknaf Upazila Health Complex. After his condition improved somewhat, he was taken home,” he said.
The UNO said the authorities were looking into the incident.
The latest shooting has sparked concern among local fishermen, who fear for their safety while fishing in the Naf River along the Myanmar border.
Fishermen said alleged incidents of gunfire by the Arakan Army in the Myanmar side of the river have increased in recent times, making fishing increasingly risky for Bangladeshi fishermen.
