Six Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly abducted along with their trawler by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Naf River estuary near Teknaf coast on Wednesday evening.
The incident took place near Naykhyangdia area, adjacent to Golar Char off Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.
The abducted fishermen have been identified as Md Ayas, Md Yasin, Ziaur Rahman, Ataur Hossain, Kefayet Ullah, and Rashid Ullah — all residents of various Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar.
According to Sajed Ahmed, president of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners’ Association under Teknaf Municipality, the trawler—owned by local fisherman Abdul Matlub—was returning from a fishing trip when its engine broke down. Arakan Army members reportedly arrived soon after and took the six fishermen away at gunpoint.
The abduction has spread panic among local fishermen.
Meanwhile, Myanmar-based outlet Global Arakan Network reported that since October 28, the Arakan Army’s coastal security unit has intensified patrols in the Bay of Bengal, claiming that Bangladeshi trawlers frequently cross into Myanmar’s waters. Between January and July this year, the group allegedly detained 188 fishermen and 30 boats, later releasing most of them.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed receiving reports of the abduction, saying authorities are verifying the incident.
Sources from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said that over the past eight months, the Arakan Army has abducted at least 300 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and nearby areas. Around 200 were later released, but nearly 100 remain captive.
