The Myanmar-based insurgent group, Arakan Army (AA), has once again abducted Bangladeshi fishermen—this time seizing 12 men along with a fishing trawler from the Naf River near Shah Porir Dwip in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf upazila.
The incident took place around 1:30 PM on Saturday when the fishermen were returning from the Bay of Bengal.
According to Shah Porir Dwip Jetty Ghat Trawler Owners’ Association president Gafur Alam, Arakan army members chased the boat, held the crew at gunpoint, and took them away.
The abducted vessel is identified as FB Osman, owned by Md. Osman from Shah Porir Dwip.
The abducted fishermen have been identified as Ali Ahmad, 39, Mohammad Amin, 34, Fazal Karim, 52, Kefayet Ullah, 40, Saiful Islam, 23, Saddam Hossain, 40, Md. Rasel, 23, Md. Sowaib, 22, Arif Ullah, 35, Mohammad Mostak, 35, and Nurul Amin, 45. One more fisherman’s name could not be confirmed immediately. All of them are residents of different villages Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.
Local Coast Guard officials could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.
However, BGB Teknaf-2 battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman confirmed that they had heard about the incident but had not yet been formally notified by the families. He added that efforts were underway to establish contact regarding the abduction.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin also confirmed the matter, saying that the administration had been informed through local sources and the Coast Guard. “Relevant authorities are working on necessary steps,” he said.
This is the third such incident in August alone. On 12 August, five fishermen were abducted from Naikhyangdia area of the Bay of Bengal, while on 5 August two others were taken from Nazirpara area of the Naf River.
According to official data, since December last year, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 223 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal.
With the help of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 189 of them and 27 trawlers have so far been released and returned, while several still remain captive.
