420 Bangladeshi Fishermen Detained by Arakan Army

Dhaka | January 29, 2026
Families of Bangladeshi fishermen allegedly detained by Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army, have urged the government to take immediate action to secure their release, claiming that at least 420 fishermen have been abducted over the last five months while fishing in Bangladesh’s maritime territory.
The appeal was made on Thursday at an event held at Dhaka University’s Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, where families of the missing fishermen shared harrowing accounts of loss, uncertainty, and growing economic hardship.
According to the families, fishermen from Teknaf and St Martin’s Island were taken by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Despite repeated pleas, they allege that no effective diplomatic or security initiative has been taken to bring the detainees home.
Humaira Begum, whose husband was abducted in September last year, broke down while describing her situation. “For five months, I don’t know whether my husband is alive or dead,” she said. “I am struggling to survive with my two children, barely managing one meal a day.”
She also said fishermen often take advance loans before going to sea, leaving families burdened with debt after the abductions.
Another victim’s wife, Rabeya Begum, said fishing has become unsafe even within Bangladesh’s territorial waters. “The Arakan Army takes our fishermen away, and the government cannot ensure our security,” she said, demanding immediate intervention.
Madina Begum, mother of two detained fishermen from St Martin’s Island, made an emotional appeal, saying she lost her husband at a young age and raised her sons through hardship. “I beg the government—before I die, let me see my sons once more,” she said.
Local residents warned that fishing is the primary livelihood for island communities, despite the short tourism season. “Our ancestral profession is under threat,” said St Martin’s resident Md Zobayer. “The state has failed to protect fishermen in our own waters.”
Criticism also came from student leaders and academics. Dhaka University student leader Meghmallar Basu questioned the lack of public outrage, saying hundreds of protests would have erupted if a foreign state force had detained so many Bangladeshi citizens.
Speakers at the event stressed that maritime security remains fragile despite Bangladesh’s legal victory over maritime boundaries, and urged collective pressure on the government to prioritize the safe return of the detainees.
As families continue to wait for news of their loved ones, their central demand remains simple: proof of life—and a determined effort by the state to bring the fishermen home.