Arakan Army Abducts 12 Bangladeshi Fishermen from Naf River

Photo: Dhaka Tribune

Arakan Now | 23 August 2025

Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted along with their boat from the Naf River in Teknaf’s Naikhyangdia area on Saturday afternoon while returning from the Bay of Bengal, according to local reports.

Residents and trawler owners alleged that members of the Arakan Army, an armed rebel group based in Myanmar, carried out the abduction.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ahsan Uddin confirmed the incident, saying: “I have heard about the detention of 12 fishermen, including their boat. I am doing everything to bring them back quickly.”

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stated that in the past eight months alone, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 230 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and nearby areas along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border. Between January and May this year, 151 fishermen were taken. With BGB’s intervention, around 200 abducted fishermen have been rescued in different phases.

The fishermen abducted on Saturday were identified as Ali Ahmed (39), Mohammad Amin (34), Fazal Karim (52), Kefayet Ullah (40), Saiful Islam (23), Saddam Hossain (40), Russel (23), Soyaib (22), Arif Ullah (35), Mohammad Mostak (35), and Nurul Amin (45). All are residents of villages in Shah Porir Dwip, Teknaf.

Boat owner Sultan Ahmed said his vessel had gone out for fishing but was forced to return due to rough weather when Arakan Army members intercepted and abducted the crew. “The fishermen are not safe. Such incidents are happening repeatedly. A permanent solution is needed,” he said.

Source: Dhaka Tribune