By: Camp Correspondent
April 16, 2025 | Teknaf, Bangladesh
After days of uncertainty and cross-border negotiation, 55 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained by the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar have safely returned home. The group arrived around noon on Wednesday, April 16, and were reunited with their families in Teknaf.
The successful return was confirmed by Lieutenant Colonel Ashikur Rahman, Commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Teknaf Battalion-2, who praised the diplomatic and operational efforts that led to the resolution.
“We worked hard for their return. Finally, our efforts brought results, and they are now safely back with their families,” said Lt. Col. Rahman.
The fishermen were reportedly held by AA forces after straying into Myanmar-controlled waters near Saint Martin’s Island—a zone where recent tensions have escalated due to maritime boundary ambiguity and armed group activity.
Cross-Border Talks Lead to Resolution
Officials stated that the release was the result of careful, sustained communication between BGB and relevant actors inside Myanmar, including intermediaries with ties to the AA. Though no formal statement was issued by the AA regarding the detention, the fishermen were eventually handed over without harm.
Photos of the fishermen’s return, with visible signs of relief and exhaustion, were published by NafnewsBD, showing emotional reunions with family members who had been anxiously awaiting updates.
“We are just happy they’re back. Every night, we feared the worst,” said a family member of one of the detained fishermen.
Call for Preventive Measures
Local fishing communities in Teknaf and Shah Porir Dwip have welcomed the safe return but raised concerns about ongoing insecurity in the Bay of Bengal, particularly in waters near the Myanmar maritime boundary. This incident is part of a growing number of cross-border detentions, with both fishermen and Rohingya refugees being caught in maritime encounters involving AA forces.
“We urge both governments to ensure better demarcation and protection for civilians who depend on the sea for survival,” said a community leader in Teknaf.
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