The Arakan Army, an armed rebel group of Myanmar, has abducted 22 fishermen along with 4 fishing trawlers at gunpoint from Bay of Bengal near Saint Martin's Island.
Arakan Army abducted the fishing trawlers along with the fishermen at gunpoint near the Moulvirshil area, which is part of Bangladesh's maritime border, according to Abul Kalam, General Secretary of Kaukkhali Fishing Trawler Owners Association at Teknaf.
He stated that Arakan Army members came on speedboats and seized the trawlers while they were fishing near Saint Martin’s Island. Two of the trawlers were owned by him and Mohammad Shaon, with 11 fishermen aboard. Additionally, two other fishing trawlers were also seized, but the names of the trawlers and their owners are unknown. These two trawlers likely had 10-12 fishermen aboard as well.
He further mentioned, " Arakan Army frequently carries out such incidents. There is widespread fear among the trawler owners, fish traders and fishermen. We seek government assistance to resolve this issue."
Abdul Mannan, Union Parishad member of Sabrang Union's ward no. 7, stated, “I have heard about the seizure of four fishing trawlers from the sea. However, we do not yet know where they were taken."
Lieutenant Commander Salahuddin Rashid Tanveer of Teknaf Coast Guard said, “Two trawlers with 11 fishermen aboard have been abducted by Arakan Army. We are receiving more information about the incident but nothing is confirmed yet.”
Commander of Teknaf-2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ashikur Rahman mentioned, ''We are investigating the matter regarding the seizure of the trawlers from the sea.''
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, ''I have heard about the seizure of fishing trawlers and fishermen. We are coordinating with law enforcement agencies to bring them back.''
