Arakan Army ‘abducts’ 12 more Bangladeshi fishermen from Naf

The Arakan Army has allegedly abducted a fishing trawler along with 12 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River in Teknaf. 

The incident occurred Saturday around 1:30pm near Naikkhongdia, as the fishermen were returning from the Bay of Bengal, according to Gafur Alam, president of the Shahporir Dwip Jetty Trawler Owners Association.

Gafur Alam alleged the Arakan Army members chased the fishermen and took them at gunpoint. Authorities have been informed. 

The trawler, FB Osman, belongs to Md Osman, son of Sultan Ahmed from Shahporir Dwip.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman, commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, said he had heard of the incident but families had not yet formally notified authorities. "Efforts are underway to contact the Arakan Army."

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed hearing about the abduction through the local coastguard and residents. 

He added that authorities have been informed and necessary measures were being taken. 

However, attempts to reach the Coast Guard Teknaf Station commander for comment were unsuccessful.

The fishermen are: Md. Ali Ahmed (39), Md. Amin (34), Fazal Karim (52), Kefayet Ullah (40), Saiful Islam (23), Saddam Hossain (40), Md Rasel (23), Md Sowaib (22), Arif Ullah (35), Md. Mostak (35), Nurul Amin (45), and Md Arfan (23). All are residents of Shahporir Dwip.

Previously, seven fishermen abducted in two separate incidents remain reportedly in Arakan Army custody. 

On 12 August, five fishermen were taken from the Naikkhongdia area of the Bay of Bengal, and on 5 August, two others, along with a boat, were abducted from near Nazirpara in Teknaf Sadar Union.

Since December last year, the Arakan Army has reportedly abducted 223 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal. 

The Border Guard Bangladesh has recovered 189 fishermen and 27 trawlers in multiple operations.