Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — At least seven Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted along with two fishing boats by the Arakan Army, a Myanmar-based armed group, in two separate incidents in the Naf River near Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.
According to local sources, the latest incident occurred on Thursday afternoon (March 19), when three fishermen were taken from the estuary near Gholarchar while fishing. Earlier, on Tuesday night, four fishermen were similarly abducted from the same area.
The abducted fishermen have been identified as Md. Russell (18), Md. Sharif (12), Md. Abul Kalam (50), Md. Sadek (30), Abdur Shukur (40), Md. Robi Amal (11), and Manjur Alam (27). All of them are residents of Jaliapara and Dakshinpara villages on Shah Porir Dwip.
Local Union Parishad member Abdus Salam expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents. “If such abductions continue, fishermen and boat owners will face severe hardship. We urge the government to take immediate action,” he said.
Abdul Gani, president of the Shah Porir Dwip Fishermen’s Association, said the Arakan Army often chases fishing boats using speedboats before abducting fishermen, creating widespread fear among the local fishing community.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Enamul Hafiz Nadim confirmed that authorities are aware of the incidents and are working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted fishermen.
According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources, more than 400 Bangladeshi fishermen have been detained by the Arakan Army over the past one and a half years, mostly on allegations of crossing the maritime boundary. Of them, over 250 have been successfully repatriated. The most recent repatriation took place on February 16, when 73 fishermen were returned.
These repeated incidents have heightened concern along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, with fishermen increasingly fearful for their safety while operating in the Naf River.
