Teknaf, Oct 09 (V7N) – Five Bangladeshi fishermen who were captured by the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group in Myanmar, were released and returned to Bangladesh through the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Wednesday. The fishermen were brought back to the country at around 1:30 pm via the Jaliapara Jetty in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

The incident was confirmed by Lt. Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, the captain of Teknaf 2 BGB. The fishermen, who were seized from the Shahpori Island estuary in the Naf River on Monday afternoon, include Md. Alam, son of Abdur Rahim from Shahpori Island's Jalia Para; Md. Rasel Mia and Md. Saiful Mia, sons of Abdul Majid; Borhan Uddin, son of Rafiqul Islam; and Md. Rashed, son of Khorshed Alam, all from Chakaria Upazila in Cox's Bazar.

Following their capture, BGB immediately contacted Myanmar authorities to secure their release. It was soon discovered that the region in Myanmar where the incident occurred is under the control of the Arakan Army due to ongoing internal conflicts. The BGB initiated negotiations with the rebel group.

On Wednesday morning, a BGB delegation met with representatives of the Arakan Army at the Line of Defense along the Naf River. After successful discussions, the rebel group released the five detained fishermen. The process of reuniting them with their families is currently underway.

Local officials, including Abdus Salam, a member of the Sabrang Union Parishad, confirmed the safe return of the fishermen and expressed relief that the situation was resolved without further incident.

END/FI/AJ