The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) successfully repatriated six Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Naf River. The handover took place on Saturday afternoon at the Bangladesh-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari.
The released fishermen are Mohammad Sohel (18), Mohammad Ismail (40), Mohammad Jasim (19), Hossain Ali (14), Mohammad Shafik (33), and Mohammad Shahin (12), all residents of Teknaf.
According to BGB, on March 1, five of the fishermen inadvertently crossed into Myanmar waters near Border Reference Marker-6 in a manually operated and an engine-powered boat. They were apprehended by Arakan Army forces. Another fisherman was detained on March 25 while fishing in the Naf River.
Liberty News’ local correspondent states that following diplomatic efforts, Cox’s Bazar Battalion (34 BGB) established communication with the Arakan Army. After prolonged negotiations, the detained fishermen were successfully released and returned to Bangladesh on Saturday.
LND/BG
