Arakan Army takes away trawlers with 11 Bangladeshi fishermen from Naf River

At least 11 fishermen and five fishing trawlers have been abducted by the Myanmar insurgent armed group Arakan Army from the estuary of the Naf River in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar. The incident took place near St. Martin's Island on Tuesday noon. Teknaf Upazila নির্বাহী অফিসার (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed the matter and stated that the trawlers along with the fishermen have been taken towards Myanmar. So far, the identity of two trawlers has been found—one belonging to Md. Kalam, which had five fishermen, and the other belonging to Md. Shawon, which had six fishermen.

Definite information regarding the other three trawlers has not been found yet. However, it is known that among the trawlers, three are from Teknaf and two are from Shahpari Island. Shahpari Island Union Parishad member Abdul Mannan said, "I have heard about the abduction of the trawlers, but it is still not clear from which ghat they left." Commanding Officer of BGB Teknaf-2 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashikur Rahman, stated, "We are looking into the incident with great importance."

Local fish trader Nurul Kayes said, "Incidents of fishermen being taken to Myanmar are happening repeatedly. The fishermen are in panic now. If a permanent solution to this is not found, they do not want to go to the sea anymore."