At least 30 Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted along with five trawlers by Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) near St Martin’s Island in Teknaf on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident took place around 5:00pm ( Thursday) in the south-eastern waters off St Martin’s, according to local sources. Of the seized trawlers, three belong to residents of Teknaf municipality, while two are owned by fishermen from Shahpari Island.

The Teknaf Boat Owners’ Association said the fishermen were fishing in the area when armed AA members arrived on two speedboats, held them at gunpoint, and took away both the men and their vessels.

Authorities including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and local administration were immediately alerted. Coast Guard officials confirmed receiving multiple reports and said they are gathering further details.

This marks the latest in a series of abductions by the AA. Between 5 and 31 August, the group abducted 81 fishermen along with 13 trawlers, with families still waiting for news of their return.

Since December last year, at least 325 Bangladeshi fishermen have been abducted by the Arakan Army from different points along the Naf River and Bay of Bengal. Of them, 189 fishermen and 27 vessels were released following BGB-mediated negotiations.

BOB Post