Teknaf, Sept 30 (V7N) – Fourteen Bangladeshi fishermen have been captured along with two fishing trawlers by members of the Arakan Army, a Myanmar-based armed rebel group, in the Bay of Bengal near Saint Martin’s Island.
Local fishermen reported that the incident occurred Tuesday morning in the southeastern waters of the Bay of Bengal, when the vessels were returning after fishing. The trawlers, owned by Abul Kalam and Syed Alam of Kayukkhali Ghat in Teknaf, were taken with all crew members to the Nakhyangdia area of Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The detained fishermen were identified as Md. Shafik (32), Nurul Islam (45), Md. Rahim (27), Md. Sohel (30), Abu Taher (38), Rafiqul Islam (36), Ismail Hossain (41), Md. Shahidul (35), Habibur Rahman (29), Yusuf (26), Jasim Uddin (31), Raihan (34), Rubel (33), and Md. Selim (39).
The Arakan Army confirmed the seizure through its media outlet, Global Arakan Network, posting photos of the detained fishermen and the trawlers. The group claimed the Bangladeshi vessels had illegally entered Myanmar’s waters to fish, prompting their detention by Arakan authorities.
Teknaf Kayukkhali Ghat Boat Owners’ Association president Sajed Ahmed said, “Two trawlers with 14 fishermen have been taken by the Arakan Army. Many other boats are still at sea, raising fears for their safety.”
Trawler owner Md. Rafiq expressed concern, saying, “The Arakan Army has done this before. Many Bangladeshi fishermen remain in their custody. Repeated incidents like this are deeply troubling for us.”
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed that the local administration has informed higher authorities. “We are gathering information from all channels and are prepared to take necessary action,” he said.
Local fishermen warned that repeated abductions, assaults, and trawler seizures in this part of the Bay of Bengal threaten their livelihoods. They urged urgent government action to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi fishermen operating near the maritime boundary.
END/SUC/SMA/
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