Teknaf, Oct 29 (V7N) — Seven Bangladeshi fishermen were detained by Myanmar’s Arakan Army while fishing off the coast of Teknaf on Tuesday night. As of this report, the identities of the detained individuals have not been confirmed.

The incident was confirmed on Wednesday morning by local fisherman Imam Hossain of K.K. Para in Teknaf. According to local sources, several fishing trawlers left K.K. Para Ghat on Tuesday evening for deep-sea fishing. Late at night, one of the trawlers inadvertently entered Myanmar’s Arakan coastal waters, where it was intercepted by Arakan Army personnel, who seized the vessel and detained the seven fishermen.

Imam Hossain said, “Several trawlers went out from K.K. Para for fishing. One of these trawlers was captured by the Arakan Army, and the fishermen on board were taken away. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.”

A report by Myanmar-based media outlet Global Arakan Network stated that at around 7:30 p.m. on October 28, an Arakan coastal security sub-unit patrolling the area spotted a fishing boat from Teknaf near the coast of Erazha village, Mungdu Township, approximately 2.14 kilometers west of the shore. The seven Bangladeshi fishermen on board were subsequently detained along with the vessel.

Sajed Ahmed, President of the Teknaf Kayukkhali Boat Owners Association, confirmed that the trawler, owned by Shawon and operated by Hamid Majhi, was intercepted by the Arakan Army while returning from fishing, leading to the detention of the seven fishermen.

Attempts to reach Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin for comments were unsuccessful. However, local administration sources confirmed that the incident has been reported to the Cox’s Bazar District Administration and the Coast Guard. Diplomatic channels may be pursued to secure the release of the detained fishermen.

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