We are shocked and outraged by the news of the abduction of 13 fishermen and three trawlers by Myanmar’s Arakan Army.
This is a deeply troubling incident that underscores the vulnerability of our border communities, men who were simply trying to earn their livelihoods.
The most important thing immediately is to ensure their safe return. However, with reports stating that the Arakan Army has abducted at least 500 fishermen over the past two years, this is a deeper issue that needs to be addressed with more seriousness.
Repeated incidents of abduction, intimidation, and violence have created an atmosphere of fear along the region and, above all else, point to a broader failure to secure our borders.
The Bangladesh government cannot take this issue lightly, but also, it cannot address this alone. Stronger patrols and coordinated intelligence are certainly necessary, yet the reality is that instability in Rakhine State spills over into Bangladesh which requires regional cooperation to minimize.
Bangladesh must work with other stakeholders, and Myanmar must also be involved, to establish mechanisms that prevent cross‑border abductions, ensure safe fishing zones, and create channels for rapid communication when incidents occur.
International actors, too, must recognize that protecting civilians in border regions is a shared responsibility, especially as the foundation of these issues stemmed from a crisis created by the Myanmar Army. As such, we must hold Myanmar accountable for these repeated crimes.
Bangladesh must raise its voice firmly, both bilaterally and internationally, to ensure that this disturbing trend of fishermen being abducted does not continue. We must break this cycle of intimidation and fear, especially for such a vulnerable group who are just trying to earn a livelihood.