Allegations have been raised against the Myanmar armed rebel group Arakan Army for abducting seven Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River in Teknaf. With this, reports of 33 fishermen being abducted over three consecutive days have been received.
Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Kayukkhaliya Ghat Trawler Owners Association of Teknaf Municipality, stated that around 11:30am on Monday, fishermen were taken away along with a trawler while fishing at the Naikkhyangdia Point of Shahporir Island in the Naf River.
Abul Kalam said, “The trawler is owned by Umar Siddique of Chowdhurypara in Teknaf Municipality. There were seven fishermen on board. However, their identities are not yet known.”
He added, “The trawler’s driver, Ebadullah, informed over the phone that on their way back from the sea, members of the Arakan Army took them to Myanmar’s Fatongja Canal via speedboat.”
Despite multiple attempts to contact the commander of the Coast Guard Teknaf Station and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Teknaf-2 regarding this matter, no statement could be obtained.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin (UNO) of Teknaf said, “For the past few days, members of the Arakan Army have been abducting fishermen daily. We have informed higher authorities to increase surveillance by law enforcement agencies.”