By Camp Correspondent
Teknaf, Bangladesh – February 28, 2025
The Arakan Army (AA) has released 29 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained earlier this month for allegedly fishing illegally in Rakhine waters.
The fishermen were handed over to Bangladeshi authorities on February 27 at the Shah Porir Dwip jetty in Teknaf, according to reports from the Dhaka Tribune.
The AA initially detained the fishermen on February 11 and 20 while they were fishing in the Naf River near Maungdaw. Following health checks and necessary procedures, the group was officially released and transferred to Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) officials.
Negotiations for Their Release
According to Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, the Upazila Executive Officer of Teknaf, the AA conducted medical examinations before transferring the fishermen to Bangladeshi authorities.
“AA brought the detained fishermen back from the Naf River. After ensuring their health and completing the required processes, they were transferred to their families,” said Sheikh Ehsan Uddin.
The BGB confirmed that negotiations were held with the Arakan Army to secure the safe return of the detained fishermen.
Ongoing Concerns Over Fishing in Rakhine Waters
Fishing in Rakhine waters, particularly near the Naf River, remains a common livelihood for Bangladeshi fishermen. However, the AA’s coastal security forces have increased monitoring and continue to detain those entering the area illegally.
While the release of the 29 fishermen has brought relief to their families, the repeated incidents of detentions and arrests highlight the ongoing tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime border.
Authorities in Bangladesh are calling for clearer guidelines and diplomatic engagement to prevent further detentions of local fishermen.
