Rohingya Khobor Desk, Teknaf, August 23, 2025
Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted on Saturday afternoon from the Naf River in Teknaf’s Naikhyangdia area while returning from the Bay of Bengal. Local fishermen and trawler owners confirmed that members of Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army (AA), carried out the abduction and seized the boat.
Incident Confirmed by Authorities
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ahsan Uddin said:
“I have heard about the detention of 12 fishermen, including their boat. Efforts are being made to bring them back as soon as possible.”
According to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Arakan Army has abducted at least 230 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and nearby border areas in the last eight months. Between January and May 2025 alone, 151 were taken. With BGB’s help, about 200 of them have been rescued at different times.
Victims Identified
The abducted fishermen have been identified as:
- Ali Ahmed (39)
- Mohammad Amin (34)
- Fazal Karim (52)
- Kefayet Ullah (40)
- Saiful Islam (23)
- Saddam Hossain (40)
- Russel (23)
- Soyaib (22)
- Arif Ullah (35)
- Mohammad Mostak (35)
- Nurul Amin (45)
All are residents of different villages on Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.
Growing Fear Among Fishermen
Boat owner Sultan Ahmed said his vessel had gone to sea but was forced to return due to bad weather. On the way back, AA members intercepted the trawler and abducted the fishermen.
“The fishermen are not safe. Such incidents are happening again and again. A permanent solution is needed,” Sultan told Rohingya Khobor.
Recurring Threat
The abduction highlights the persistent insecurity along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, where fishermen face repeated dangers from armed groups. Locals say the kidnappings have spread fear across fishing communities in Teknaf, threatening their only source of livelihood.
Recent Comments