Armed members of Myanmar’s rebel group Arakan Army allegedly abducted 11 Bangladeshi fishermen along with two trawlers near the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s maritime area on Tuesday.
Local residents and the Boat Owners’ Association of Teknaf allege that the Arakan Army entered Bangladesh’s territorial waters and took the fishermen at gunpoint. The incident occurred close to Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. Two other fishing boats are also reportedly missing.
Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association, confirmed that 11 crew members from two trawlers were abducted. “They were fishing within Bangladesh’s waters when armed men from the Arakan Army took them away,” he said.
He added that reports suggest two more boats may have been seized, but this has yet to be verified. Such repeated incidents have created fear and uncertainty among fishermen and fish traders in the area. He urged the government to intervene and ensure their safety.
Abdul Mannan, a local Union Parishad member from Shahporir Dwip, stated that several fishing boats from his area were also chased by the Arakan Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, said they are investigating the abduction.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed they are aware of the incident and are working with law enforcement agencies to bring the abducted fishermen back safely.
LND/BG
