73 Fishermen, Including 7 Rohingya Refugees, Repatriated from Arakan Army Custody in First Phase

Photo: Naf View

Arakan Now | 16 Feb 2026

A total of 73 fishermen, including 66 Bangladeshis and 7 Rohingya refugees, were repatriated on Sunday after being detained by the Arakan Army in the Bay of Bengal, authorities confirmed, citing Naf View.

According to officials, the fishermen were apprehended at different times throughout 2025 after inadvertently crossing Bangladesh’s maritime boundary while fishing and entering waters under Myanmar’s control. Following their detention, they were reportedly transferred to camps inside Myanmar administered by the Arakan Army, where they remained in custody for varying periods.

Amid the evolving situation, coordinated humanitarian efforts were undertaken by multiple security agencies operating in the Cox’s Bazar region. Through sustained communication and negotiation with the Arakan Army, authorities were able to secure a phased repatriation arrangement for the detained fishermen.

In the first phase of the process, the group of 73 fishermen was formally received at the zero line of the Naf River on 16 February and subsequently brought back to Teknaf Jetty Ghat. Officials said that procedures to reunite them with their families are currently underway.

Local administration representatives at the upazila and union levels, along with law enforcement agencies, have already completed identity verification of the returnees. The development has brought considerable relief to the families of the detained fishermen, many of whom had been awaiting their return for months.

Officials noted that the repatriation, taking place ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, is being viewed as a significant humanitarian step.

Authorities also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe and timely return of the remaining fishermen who are still in custody.