Five Bangladeshi fishermen have reportedly been abducted by members of the Arakan Army while fishing in the Naf River near Teknaf, Cox`s Bazar, reports Dhaka Tribune.
The incident occurred in the Nayapara area on Monday afternoon, and as of Tuesday evening, the fishermen had not been returned.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of BGB-2 in Teknaf, confirmed that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is working to contact Myanmar authorities to secure the fishermen`s release.
The fishermen are identified as: Mohammad Alam, 22; Mohammad Russell Mia, 23; Mohammad Saiful Mia, 17; Mohammad Borhan Uddin, 19; and Mohammad Rashed, 24, all residents of Jaliapara in Shapuree Dwip, Teknaf.
Abdus Salam, a local council member, stated that the fishermen were taken while fishing in the river. Although it remains unclear who was responsible, it is suspected that the Arakan Army may be involved due to ongoing conflict in the region.
Local fishermen reported that three boats belonging to Abdul Majid left for the Naf River on Monday morning. While two boats managed to escape an armed chase, five fishermen from Majid`s boat were captured.
Hamida Khatun, Alam`s mother, expressed her concern, stating that she has not received any news about her son since the incident.
Abdul Gani, president of the Jaliapara Small Fishermen`s Cooperative, mentioned that while there is a fishing ban in the Naf River, some local fishermen continue to fish discreetly to support their families.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury confirmed receiving reports regarding the abduction.
The situation in Rakhine, Myanmar, remains tense as the Arakan Army continues to clash with the military junta, leading to significant control of the area by the armed group, affecting cross-border activities and security.
