Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army (AA) has abducted two fishing trawlers along with 11 fishermen from the sea near Saint Martin's Island, Cox’s Bazar.
On Tuesday morning, the group, armed with weapons, entered Bangladesh’s territorial waters near the Island on speedboats and took the trawlers hostage while the fishermen were fishing, said Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Teknaf Kayukkhali Boat Owners' Association.
Additionally, there have been reports of two other fishing boats going missing, though it is not yet confirmed whether they were also taken, he added.
Abul Kalam said: “While fishing near Saint Martin's within Bangladesh’s maritime boundary, members of the Arakan Army suddenly crossed over and, at gunpoint, took two fishing trawlers and 11 fishermen from my dock. My own trawler is among those taken.”
“Such repeated incidents have created panic among fish traders and fishermen. We are seeking the government’s assistance in resolving this issue,” he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashiqur Rahman, commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, said that they are investigating the matter of the abduction.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sk Ahsan Uddin said: “We have heard about the abduction of the fishermen along with the fishing trawlers. Efforts will be made to bring them back through discussions with law enforcement agencies.”
