‘Arakan Army’ captures 40 more fishermen

The armed rebel group has allegedly kidnapped at least 121 people since Aug 5

The “Arakan Army” has seized five fishing trawlers and captured at least 40 fishermen from the sea near St Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

Teknaf Municipal Boat Owners’ Association President Sajeed Ahmed said they were whisked away around 5pm on Wednesday.

A photo apparently of the Bangladeshi fishermen has been published on the website of the armed rebel group from Myanmar.

The names and identities of the captured fishermen could not be obtained.

Citing fishermen from nearby trawlers, Sajeed said those taken had been fishing in 20 to 30 trawlers in the southeastern sea that afternoon. At that time, Arakan Army members arrived in two speedboats and, at gunpoint, captured at least 40 fishermen along with five trawlers.

He said, “The BGB, Coast Guard, and the administration concerned have been informed. However, the exact number of fishermen captured is uncertain.”

Teknaf Upazila administrator (UNO) Sheikh Ahsan Uddin said he had learned of the incident from locals and that information was being gathered to determine the details.

Between Aug 5 and Aug 31, the Arakan Army allegedly captured 81 people along with 13 trawlers, and their relatives remain unaware of their whereabouts.

From December 2024 to Sept 10, the armed rebel group from Myanmar abducted 325 fishermen from different points in the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal. Of them, 189 fishermen and 27 boats were returned in several phases with the efforts of the BGB.