Myanmar’s Arakan Army Abducts 19 Fishermen in Cox’s Bazar

In a troubling incident, 19 fishermen and their four motorized boats have reportedly been abducted by Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) from the River Naf in Teknaf upazila, Cox’s Bazar district.

The abduction occurred on Thursday as the fishermen were returning from their fishing activities, according to Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin. Authorities were alerted to the situation and have initiated efforts through the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to recover the fishermen.

Sources indicate that of the four boats involved, two originated from the Kaukkhali area in Teknaf, while the other two hailed from Shahparirdwip.

The Arakan Army has been known to frequently abduct Bangladeshi fishermen since gaining control over areas along the Bangladesh border. Reports also suggest that the group has previously detained several cargo vessels bound for Bangladesh, raising concerns about security and safety in the region.