The Myanmar-based armed group Arakan Army has reportedly abducted 14 Bangladeshi fishermen along with two fishing trawlers from the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf’s Naikhyangdia area in Cox’s Bazar.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, confirmed Sajed Ahmed, director of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association in Teknaf. He said the fishermen were returning to shore due to rough weather when Arakan Army members intercepted their trawlers and took them away.
“Such abductions are creating fear among the fishing community and traders. We urgently need government intervention to protect the fishermen,” he added.
This comes a day after another group of 12 fishermen from Teknaf’s Shahparir Dwip were abducted in a similar incident at the same location. The abducted men were identified as Md Ali Ahmed (39), Mohammad Amin (34), Fazal Karim (52), Kefayet Ullah (40), Saiful Islam (23), Saddam Hossain (40), Md Russel (23), Md Soyaib (22), Arif Ullah (35), Mohammad Mostak (35), and Nurul Amin (45). The identity of one more fisherman could not be confirmed.
Confirming the latest incident, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “We have received reports that 14 fishermen with two trawlers were abducted. Law enforcement agencies are already working on yesterday’s case of 12 abducted fishermen.”
Local boat owners’ association leader Md Kalam also confirmed the abduction, saying, “The Arakan Army has taken away two more trawlers with 14 fishermen. Such recurring incidents are causing panic among the fishing community.”
According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Arakan Army has abducted at least 240 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and adjacent areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border over the past eight months. Of them, 180 were abducted between March and 23 August this year. With BGB’s assistance, around 200 fishermen have been rescued and returned in several phases.
The latest abductions have intensified fear among coastal fishermen, many of whom are now avoiding deep-sea fishing trips out of safety concerns.
