Arakan Army abducts 13 fishermen, seizes three trawlers in Teknaf

Photo: Dhaka Tribune

Arakan Now | 28 March 2026

Members of Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), have once again abducted 13 fishermen along with three fishing trawlers from the mouth of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, according to Dhaka Tribune.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning as the fishermen were returning to Teknaf after fishing at sea near Naikhyangdia on Shahporir Island. The trawler owners have been identified as Kalu, also known as Mola Halu, Mustafiz, and Mir Kasim—all residents of Shahporir Island in Teknaf.

The abducted fishermen are Mostafizur Rahman, Farid Hossain, Robiul Hasan, Kalam, Md Hossain Ahmad, Mir Kasem Ali, Gias Uddin, Salauddin, Mohiuddin, Molla Kalu Mia, Abu Taher, Abdul Khalek, and Jaber Mia. All are reportedly from different villages on Shahporir Island under Sabrang Union in Teknaf.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imamul Hafiz Nadim said authorities are aware of the abduction and are investigating how it occurred. Efforts are underway to coordinate with border law enforcement agencies to secure the fishermen’s release.

Local resident Ibn Amin said, “Today, the Arakan Army again took 13 crew members from three boats, creating fear among fishermen. Some of our family members are among those taken, and families are terrified.”

Confirming the incident, Shahporir Island Union Parishad member Abdus Salam said the news has spread panic among local fishing communities and that the matter has been reported to the authorities.

According to local sources, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 500 fishermen over the past two years. Of these, around 300 have been released. The most recent release involved 73 fishermen on February 16, while approximately 200 are still believed to be in the group’s custody.