The Myanmar-based armed separatist group Arakan Army has seized two trawlers along with six Bangladeshis travelling on the Teknaf-Saint Martin's route via the Naf River in the Bay of Bengal.
The confirmation came on Wednesday from Abdur Rashid, president of the Teknaf-Saint Martin's Trawler Owners Association.
The incident occurred while the trawlers were transporting goods, including sand and cement, from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s Island.
Rashid said: “The two trawlers loaded with bricks, sand, and cement set off from Teknaf port on Monday afternoon with six crew members, bound for Saint Martin’s. However, due to the tidal conditions in the Naf River, they anchored near Shah Porir Dwip. The trawlers resumed their journey on Tuesday, but as of Wednesday, they had not reached Saint Martin’s."
"All six crew members are residents of Saint Martin’s, and one of the trawlers is mine. The matter has been reported to law enforcement agencies.”
Nur Alam, a resident of Saint Martin’s, said: “The two trawlers on their way from Teknaf to the island were seized with six people on board. The incident has left their families in fear.”
Regarding the situation, Mujibur Rahman, chairman of Saint Martin’s union parishad, said: “I have heard about the two trawlers carrying goods and six individuals being taken to Myanmar. We are investigating who is responsible and how the incident occurred.”
Meanwhile, Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of Teknaf-2 BGB, said no formal complaints have been filed regarding the incident.
An official from the Coast Guard's St Martin's station, requesting anonymity, said efforts are being made to contact Myanmar's Arakan Army. "The issue has also been reported to higher authorities."
However, this is not the first time such incidents have occurred.
Last week, Arakan Army members returned 20 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been abducted from the Naf River, bringing them back through the Shah Porir Dwip jetty in Teknaf.