Teknaf, Nov 06 (V7N) – Six Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted along with their fishing trawler by members of the Myanmar-based armed insurgent group, the Arakan Army (AA), from the Naf River estuary near Teknaf on Wednesday evening. The abduction occurred in the Naykhyangdia area, close to Shah Porir Island’s Golar Char, while the fishermen were returning from a fishing trip.

The abducted fishermen have been identified as Md. Ayas, Md. Yasin, Ziaur Rahman, Ataur Hossain, Kefayet Ullah, and Rashid Ullah — all residents of various refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Confirming the incident, Sajed Ahmed, president of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association in Teknaf Municipality, said that a trawler owned by local resident Abdul Matlub went to sea for fishing earlier in the week. On their return, when the trawler’s engine malfunctioned near Naykhyangdia, members of the Arakan Army surrounded the vessel and forcibly took away the six fishermen. The incident has sparked fear among local trawler owners and fishermen, many of whom are now reluctant to go to sea.

Meanwhile, Myanmar-based news outlet Global Arakan Network reported that on October 28, the Arakan Army’s coastal security unit intensified maritime patrols. During these operations, several Bangladeshi trawlers allegedly crossed into Myanmar’s territorial waters. The report claimed that between January and July 2024, the Arakan Army detained around 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and seized 30 boats — most of whom were later released.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed that authorities are investigating the latest abduction. “We have received reports that six fishermen and a trawler have been taken away. The matter is being looked into,” he said.

According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Arakan Army has abducted at least 300 Bangladeshi fishermen over the past eight months from areas along the Naf River and adjoining coastal regions. Between March and August alone, 200 fishermen were abducted, though BGB operations helped secure the release of many in multiple phases. However, around 100 fishermen remain in captivity, leaving coastal fishing communities in fear of venturing into the sea.

Local residents and fishing associations have urged both Bangladeshi and Myanmar authorities to take immediate diplomatic and security measures to prevent further abductions and ensure the safe return of the missing fishermen.

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