Myanmar’s navy has released 56 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained for entering Myanmar’s territorial waters while fishing near Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal.
The fishermen, who were aboard six trawlers, were taken into custody by Myanmar’s navy on Wednesday.
The incident occurred when the trawlers strayed into Myanmar’s waters while fishing about 10-15 kilometers south of Saint Martin’s Island.
After their detention, there was no information available about their whereabouts, as confirmed by Abdul Mannan, a member of the 7th Ward of Sabrang Union Parishad.
On Thursday morning, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, confirmed the release of the fishermen.
The UNO shared details from the boat owners, explaining that on Wednesday afternoon, the fishermen had been fishing in the Bay of Bengal southwest of Saint Martin’s Island.
While fishing, the six trawlers accidentally entered Myanmar`s waters, prompting the Myanmar navy to arrest the fishermen aboard.
The boat owners, who were affected by the incident, include Mohammad Bashir Ahmed, Mohammad Amin, Nurul Amin, Abdur Rahim, and Mohammad Shafik, all residents of the Shahpari Island area in Sabrang Union, Teknaf. Notably, Mohammad Shafik owns two of the trawlers involved in the incident.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension in the Bay of Bengal and the occasional disputes over territorial waters, affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
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