‘Arakan Army’ abducts 13 fishermen from Teknaf, boats chased at Naf estuary

Local fishermen fear going out to sea as repeated abductions continue

Thirteen fishermen along with three engine-powered boats have reportedly been taken into Myanmar territory by members of the insurgent Arakan Army from the Naf River estuary in Cox’s Bazar.

On Saturday morning around 7am, the fishermen were fishing near Naikhongdia, close to Gholarchar, Shah Porir Dwip, when the armed group intercepted them, according to Abdul Mannan, a ward member of Sabrang Union Parishad.

The captives are Md Mostafizur Rahman, 40, Md Farid Hossain, 30, Md Robiul Hasan, 17, Md Kalam, 30, Md Hossain Ahmed, 38, Md Mir Kashem Ali, 40, Md Gias Uddin, Md Salauddin, 18, Md Mohiuddin, 22, Md Mola Kalu Mia, 55, Md Abu Taher, 40, Md Abdul Khalek, and Md Jaber Mia, 24.

All belong to Majher Para and Dangor Para villages.

Abdul Gafur, president of the Shah Porir Dwip West Para Fishermen's Association, noted that the fleet had set out to sea at 4am.

He relayed accounts from those who escaped, describing how Arakan Army personnel in speedboats chased the vessels before forcing them across the border at gunpoint.

The matter has since been reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local authorities, though the community remains gripped by fear.

According to Mannan, the persistent presence of the Arakan Army has made it nearly impossible for locals to earn a living in the Naf River and surrounding waters.

He warned of a looming economic crisis for boat owners and called for urgent government intervention to halt such incursions.

District administrator (UNO) Mohammad Inamul Hafiz Nadim said while a formal written complaint is yet to be filed by the families, law-enforcing agencies are working on securing the men's release.

Data from the local fishermen's association reveals a grim trend; since 2024, at least 400 fishermen have been detained by the rebel group on allegations of border trespassing, of whom around 250 have been released.

The latest batch of 73 fishermen returned on Feb 16, while 32 trawlers and 172 fishermen remain detained in Rakhine State prisons.