Myanmar`s rebel group, the Arakan Army, has abducted four Bangladeshi fishermen along with their boats from the Naf River estuary in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The abduction reportedly took place near the Laldwip area of Domdomia on Thursday.
The victims have been identified as Arafat Ullah (21), Anis Ullah (22), Md Jaber (14), and Md Sadek (27), all residents of Jadimura Camp No. 27, according to local resident Mohammed Nur, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.
"Like every other day, they went fishing in the Naf River when members of the Arakan Army captured them along with their boats. The incident has caused fear in the fishing community, and the matter has been reported to local authorities," Nur said.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed the report: “I have heard about the abduction. Law enforcement agencies are working on the matter and taking necessary steps to ensure their safe return.”
An anonymous official also acknowledged the incident, stating that the fishermen were likely taken after crossing the maritime boundary and that efforts are underway to secure their release.
Local fisherman Mohammed Alam expressed concern, saying, “Fishermen live in constant fear of the Arakan Army. Abductions happen frequently, and today we heard of another case involving four men.”
This is not the first such incident. On February 11, four fishermen were abducted from the Golarchar mouth area. On October 6 last year, Myanmar`s navy abducted 58 fishermen from Shah Porir Dwip while they were fishing in deep waters. Just days later, on October 9, a Myanmar navy patrol boat opened fire on a Bangladeshi trawler, killing one fisherman and injuring three others — an incident that drew strong protest from Bangladesh.
However, on October 15, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) managed to bring back 16 fishermen who had been held by the Arakan Army in Myanmar`s Rakhine State.
