The Bangladesh Coast Guard brought back 122 fishermen and their 19 trawlers today (29 August) after they had illegally crossed into Myanmar’s territorial waters in the Naf River near Teknaf.
The identities of the rescued fishermen have not yet been released.
The rescue operation was conducted from 8am to 11:30am, spanning various areas of the Naf River from Jaliyapara to the Shahporir Dwip estuary, according to Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haque, media officer at the Coast Guard headquarters.
Referring to fighting between the Arakan Army and regime forces in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, he said that with the ongoing conflict there, the entire border area adjacent to Bangladesh is now under the control of the Arakan Army rebel group.
Bangladeshi fishermen who cross the zero line of the Naf River are being detained by the Arakan Army all the time, the official added.
He noted that the Coast Guard and other border security agencies are facing significant challenges in rescuing these fishermen who violate international law.
This also complicates efforts to prevent Rohingya infiltration, drug and arms smuggling, and other cross-border crimes, Siam said.
He added that the fishermen and their trawlers were returned from within Myanmar’s territory and had been at risk of being captured by the Arakan Army.
The rescued fishermen are currently at the Coast Guard’s Shahporir Dwip station, and legal action is being initiated against them and the trawler owners.
Meanwhile, according to local trawler owners, from 5 to 28 August, a total of 63 fishermen and 10 trawlers were taken by the Arakan Army.
Since last December, a total of 267 Bangladeshi fishermen have been detained by the group from various points in the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal. Of them, 189 fishermen and 27 vessels have been returned through the efforts of the Border Guard Bangladesh.
