Arakan Army has once again captured Bangladeshi fishermen

BD Digest Report

Fishermen have been kidnapped again in the Naf River estuary area of ​​Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. Members of Myanmar’s armed group Arakan Army have kidnapped 13 fishermen along with three fishing trawlers.

The incident occurred in the Naikshangdia area of ​​Shahparir Island on Saturday (March 28) morning while they were returning to Teknaf after fishing in the sea.

According to local sources, the owners of the seized trawlers are Md. Kalu alias Mala Halu, Md. Mustafiz and Mir Kashim. All three are residents of Shahparir Island.

The fishermen who were arrested are Mostafizur Rahman (40), Farid Hossain (30), Rabiul Hasan (17), Kalam (30), Hossain Ahmed (38), Mir Kashem Ali (40), Gias Uddin, Salahuddin (18), Mohiuddin (22), Mola Kalu Mia (55), Abu Taher (40), Abdul Khalek and Jaber Mia (24). All of them are residents of different villages in Shahparir Dwip area of ​​Sabrang Union in Teknaf.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Imamul Hafiz Nadim said that the matter has come to their attention.

An investigation is underway into how the incident happened and efforts will be made to bring back the fishermen in coordination with the relevant law enforcement agencies.
Local resident Enayet Ullah said that the recent incident has spread panic among fishermen. Many families are worried about their relatives.

Confirming the information, Shahparir Island UP member Abdus Salam said that the repetition of such incidents has created extreme concern in the fishing village. The matter has been reported to the administration.

Local fishermen claim that the Arakan Army has abducted about 500 fishermen at various times in the last two years. Of them, about 300 have been returned later. The last time 73 fishermen were released was on February 16. However, it is believed that about 200 fishermen are still in their custody.