by Hafizur Rahman. Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, March 28, 2026
Members of the Arakan Army abducted 13 fishermen and seized three fishing trawlers from the Naf River area in Teknaf on Saturday morning, according to local officials and residents.
The incident occurred as the fishermen were returning from fishing near Naikhyangdia, close to Shahporir Island. The seized trawlers belong to local owners Kalu, also known as Mola Halu, Mustafiz, and Mir Kasim.
The abducted fishermen have been identified as Mostafizur Rahman, Farid Hossain, Robiul Hasan, Kalam, Md Hossain Ahmad, Mir Kasem Ali, Gias Uddin, Salauddin, Mohiuddin, Molla Kalu Mia, Abu Taher, Abdul Khalek, and Jaber Mia. All are residents of different villages on Shahporir Island under Sabrang Union in Teknaf.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imamul Hafiz Nadim said authorities are aware of the incident and are working to determine the circumstances. He added that coordination is ongoing with border security forces to ensure the safe return of the fishermen.
A local resident, Ibn Amin, told Rohingya Khobor, “Today, the Arakan Army again took 13 fishermen from three boats. People are very scared because some of our family members are among them.”
Union Parishad member Abdus Salam said the incident has created fear among fishing communities and confirmed that the matter has been reported to authorities.
Local sources said that over the past two years, around 500 fishermen have been taken by the Arakan Army. Of them, about 300 have been released, while nearly 200 are still believed to remain in custody. The most recent release took place on February 16, when 73 fishermen were freed.
Repeated incidents have increased fear and uncertainty among fishing communities in Teknaf.
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