Teknaf, Nov 13 (V7N)— Members of the Arakan Army, a Myanmar-based rebel group, have allegedly abducted six people from two cargo trawlers on the Teknaf-Saint Martin route in the Naf river estuary. The trawlers, reportedly carrying construction materials like rods and cement, were intercepted on Tuesday during their journey from Teknaf to Saint Martin.

Abdur Rashid, president of the Teknaf-Saint Martin Boat Owners Association, confirmed the incident on Wednesday. He stated that the two trawlers, operated by residents of Saint Martin, were stopped at the mouth of the Naf River in the Bay of Bengal by alleged members of the Arakan Army. Six people were reportedly taken, and the local law enforcement agencies have been informed.

Noor Alam, a resident of Saint Martin Island, added that the incident has caused panic among the families of the abductees. According to Mujibur Rahman, Chairman of St. Martin's Union Parishad, initial reports suggest the individuals and trawlers were taken across the border into Myanmar, but further details remain unclear.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, captain of Teknaf-2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), noted that no official report had been filed about the incident but that they are closely monitoring the situation.

This alleged abduction has raised concerns over security in the border areas and highlighted the challenges faced by residents and traders operating near the volatile Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

END/FA/AJ