Cox’s Bazar, Aug 25 (V7N) — Seven Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly abducted on Monday by the Arakan Army, an armed ethnic group based in Myanmar, while fishing near the Naf River, raising the number of recent abductions to 33 within just three days.
 
In a fresh incident of cross-border tension, the Arakan Army has allegedly abducted seven Bangladeshi fishermen along with their trawler from the Naf River near the Shah Porir Dwip-Naikhyangdia area on the Myanmar side. The incident occurred around noon on Monday, according to local sources in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
 
This follows an earlier abduction on Saturday, when 26 fishermen were taken under similar circumstances. None of the abducted individuals have been released as of Monday evening.
 
Salimullah, a local fisherman, told Voice7 News that such incidents are becoming frequent. “We go to the sea to fish, but again and again, the Arakan Army detains our people. On Monday, seven more were taken while returning from a fishing trip in the Naf River,” he said.
 
He added that it is often difficult for fishermen to distinguish between Bangladeshi and Myanmar waters, particularly in the open sea or along the river boundary, where markers are either unclear or nonexistent.
 
Trawler owner Omar Faruk confirmed that his fishing boat and its seven crew members were seized while returning from the sea. “They were fishing legally, and now we don’t know their condition or whereabouts,” he said, adding that authorities had been informed.
 
According to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehssan Uddin, a total of 33 fishermen have been abducted by the Arakan Army over the past three days, along with four fishing trawlers. “They were likely detained after crossing slightly into Myanmar’s territory. Fishermen are regularly warned to remain within Bangladesh’s maritime boundary,” he stated.
 
The local administration has formally requested that national security forces increase patrols and surveillance in the Naf River and adjoining maritime areas to prevent further incidents.
 
The Arakan Army, an insurgent group active in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has been involved in a number of cross-border incidents in recent years. While the Bangladeshi government has repeatedly raised concerns about their activities, the porous nature of the border, combined with the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region, continues to present challenges for both law enforcement and local fishermen.
 
Authorities have yet to confirm whether any diplomatic or military-level communication has taken place with Myanmar regarding the safe return of the abducted individuals.
 
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