Arakan Army detains four cargo ships carrying Bangladeshi goods

Four cargo ships carrying goods for Bangladeshi traders have been detained by the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group in Myanmar. 

The ships, which were heading to the Teknaf land port in Cox’s Bazar, have been stuck for three days now, with no signs of release.

The ships, which left Yangon in Myanmar, are believed to be carrying goods worth an estimated 40 crore taka. 

According to Ehathashamul Haque Bahadur, the General Secretary of the Teknaf Land Port C&F Association, the ships have been held near the Myanmar border, just across from Teknaf jetty. 

He said, 

“The four cargo ships, which left Yangon for Teknaf land port in Cox’s Bazar, have been detained by the Arakan Army at the Myanmar border, just across from Teknaf jetty. It’s been three days now, and the Arakan Army still hasn’t released the ships. We’ve informed the law enforcement authorities about the detention. The goods on the ships are worth between 30 and 40 crore taka.”

Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, the General Manager of United Land Port Limited, which manages the Teknaf land port, confirmed that the ships have been detained for three days. 

He said, 

“The cargo ships that departed from Myanmar for Teknaf land port have been held by the Arakan Army for three days. To date, the ships have not been released.”

The situation has raised alarms among local authorities, and Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, assured that the issue has been reported to higher authorities for further action.

The incident highlights the growing tensions in the region, and traders are anxiously awaiting a resolution. 

The cargo ships’ detention could cause significant delays and financial loss for Bangladeshi businesses.