2 injured as Arakan Army reportedly opens fire, kidnaps 3 Bangladeshis from Naf River
Speaking about the abductees, Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion Commander Lt Colonel Ashikur Rahman said, "It is not clear whether they are fishermen or drug dealers. Because there have been incidents of large consignments of drugs being seized from that area."
At least two people suffered bullet wounds as the Myanmar-based armed group Arakan Army reportedly opened fire simultaneously in two separate locations of the Naf River along the Sabrang border area in Teknaf today (12 May).
The armed group also reportedly kidnapped three Bangladeshi nationals following the shooting, according to locals and government officials.
The injured fishermen have been identified as Hedayet Ullah (17) and Md Hossain (16) - both residents of Jaliapara at Shah Porir Dwip.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Two fishermen, who went fishing in the Naf River, were shot. When they went fishing in the Bangladesh side of the Naf River in the afternoon, members of the Arakan Army fired several rounds at them. At that time, Hedayet Ullah and Md Hossain were shot in the right knee and left leg, respectively," said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin.
"The injured are undergoing treatment at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital. Detailed inquiries are being made in this regard," he added.
However, no such injured people came to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital till 8 pm.
Meanwhile, the Arakan Army also reportedly kidnapped three men from the Naf River's Leda point.
The reported abductees are Siddiq Hossain (27), Robiul Alam (27), and Mahmud Hossain (30).
All three are residents of Lamarpara at Hnila union of Teknaf, said Hnila Acting Chairman Mohammad Ali.
He, however, said the abductees were not fishermen. "I do not know why they went to the river."
Citing locals, he said those three had gone down the Naf River in a boat. The Arakan Army, after spotting them, opened fire. Later, the AA chased them and detained them.
Teknaf UNO Ehsan said he was informed of the matter and has relayed the information to the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).
When contacted, Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion Commander Lt Colonel Ashikur Rahman said, "I have heard about the incident at Leda. However, it is not clear whether they are fishermen or drug dealers. Because there have been incidents of large consignments of drugs being seized from that area.
"Whether they went to Myanmar to bring drugs is being investigated. Measures are being taken to bring back the three people."
The BGB did not provide any statement regarding the bullet-hit two in Sabrang.
