Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
The number of Bangladeshi fishermen reportedly abducted by the ‘Arakan Army’ near the Naf River estuary in Teknaf continues to rise, with multiple sources providing conflicting accounts.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reports that more than 50 fishermen were taken along with their trawlers as they were returning from fishing at sea.
There, however, is no consensus on the exact number currently being held by the armed group operating out of Myanmar.
According to the BGB, 51 fishermen are believed to be in captivity. The Teknaf Upazila administration claims the figure stands at 58, while the local trawler owners’ association puts the number at 57.
“Informal” communication is reportedly ongoing with the Arakan Army in an effort to bring the abducted men back, BGB officials said.
Col Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, sector commander of BGB’s Ramu unit, said: “We currently have information on 51 fishermen being held. Some of them are Bangladeshi, while others are Rohingya.”
Teknaf Administrator (UNO) Sheikh Ahsan Uddin said, “We have reports of 58 fishermen being held captive. This figure accounts for incidents reported between the 5th of August and now. There is no confirmed case of any of them being released.”
Gofur Alam, president of the Shah Porir Dwip Jetty Ghat Trawler Owners’ Association, said 57 fishermen remain in Arakan Army custody. Among them are 12 crew members from a trawler he owns.
Between Aug 13 and 26 alone, 44 fishermen were abducted along with six trawlers, according to Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Kayukkhaliya Ghat Trawler Owners’ Association.
The accounts differ on whether the incident amounts to abduction. Col Mohiuddin brushes aside the word “abduction”, saying: “In fact, fishermen are being taken away because they cross the zero line and enter Myanmar’s waters.”
Boat owners, however, allege the group is entering Bangladesh territory.
“They come on speedboats, take away fishermen, and loot fish, nets and trawlers worth lakhs of taka,” said one owner.
Md Sultan, a trawler owner, said his vessel FB Osman was taken on Aug 23 as it returned with its catch. “The Arakan Army chased the boat with speedboats and took everyone. Along with the crew, assets worth nearly Tk 3 million were taken,” he said.
Gofur noted that his trawler was also seized on Tuesday afternoon. “There were 12 crew on board. The fishermen told me they had fish worth nearly Tk 400,000. The group is essentially doing this for loot.”
According to BGB’s Mohiuddin, shoals have formed in parts of the Naf estuary. “To avoid accidents, fishermen sometimes move through Myanmar waters. Many also enter by mistake. That is when the Arakan Army takes them,” he said.
He explained that the armed group has full control of Myanmar’s frontier with Bangladesh amid ongoing conflict with the country’s military and the activities of other Rohingya armed groups. “This has increased their presence along the border, leading to more incidents at the Naf estuary.”
BGB maintains “unofficial” channels with the group, said Mohiuddin. “We are pressing them not to take any more fishermen. Talks are ongoing.”
UNO Ahsan confirmed that all relevant authorities have been informed about the situation and efforts to bring the fishermen back.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard is responsible for security in the waters. bdnews24.com has sought its comment on the matter.