Arakan Army Kidnap 7 Bangladeshi Fishermen
Collected Photo
Members of the Myanmar-based armed rebel group, the Arakan Army, have abducted seven fishermen from the zero line of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. The incident occurred around 2:00 PM on Thursday near the Sabrang Nayapara and Shah Porir Dwip areas.
According to local sources, the seven fishermen set out from the Nayapara boat terminal at 7:30 AM in a small engine-powered boat to fish during the high tide. They had cast their nets before the tide peaked. Around noon, two speedboats suddenly arrived and took the fishermen away along with their vessel.
The abducted individuals have been identified as Abdur Rahman, Abdul Motlob, Gura Mia, and Md. Hasan from the Sabrang Nayapara area, and Ahmad Ali, Nurul Absar, and Abdur Rahim from the Shah Porir Dwip Dailpara area.
Local Union Parishad (UP) member Abul Foyez stated that the Arakan Army members took the fishermen hostage unexpectedly while they were fishing. The incident has sparked panic in the border areas and caused deep concern among the families of the victims. He expressed fear that such incidents might increase if swift action is not taken.
Munni Akhter, the wife of abducted fisherman Ahmad Ali, said through tears that her husband is the sole breadwinner of the family. She expressed that it would be difficult for them to survive if he is not returned safely.
The boat owner, Abdus Shukur, demanded urgent intervention from the relevant authorities to rescue the fishermen. He noted that if such oppression continues, it could lead to a livelihood crisis in the coastal regions.
Lieutenant Colonel Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commander of the Teknaf-2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) battalion, stated that they are aware of the incident. He has instructed the relevant Border Outpost (BOP) commander to investigate the details and confirmed that necessary measures will be taken after assessing the situation.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Imamul Hafiz assured that efforts are underway in coordination with the Coast Guard and BGB to bring the fishermen back.
