By: Camp Correspondent
March 7, 2025
The Arakan Army arrested six Bangladeshi fishermen along with their fishing boat while they were fishing in the Naf River on March 6, according to local reports.
The incident took place in the western part of Udaung Creek, Maungdaw Township.
All six detained fishermen are Bangladeshi nationals and are currently being interrogated by the armed group, sources confirmed.
The arrests follow a pattern of increasing restrictions and detentions of fishermen in the region.
Ongoing arrests of fishermen
This is not the first time the group has detained fishermen in the Naf River and nearby areas. On February 27, it arrested 29 Bangladeshi fishermen but later handed them over to the Bangladesh Border Guard.
Additionally, on February 13, at around 6:00 AM, the group arrested 24 Rohingya refugees who had left the Bangladesh refugee camps to fish in the open waters.
Despite growing concerns from the families of the detained individuals, the group and its political wing have not issued any official statements regarding the reason for the arrests.
The prolonged silence has intensified fears about the safety and well-being of those in custody.
Names of the arrested fishermen
- Mamat Shofi (b) Abul Hashim (37)
- Sha Alam (b) Mamat Shofi (20)
- Abdul Hafiz (b) Sha Alam (25)
- Adu Salam (b) Adu Shukkur (27)
- Solim Ullah (b) Rahmat Ullah (30)
- Mamat Solim (b) Muhamat Rofiq (28)
A total of 24 Rohingya refugees and six Bangladeshi fishermen remain in the group’s custody, with no clear explanation about their fate. Their families continue to appeal for their safe release, fearing mistreatment or forced disappearances.
The rising number of detentions in Rakhine has raised serious concerns over the safety of both Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals working in the region.
Rights groups and humanitarian organizations have been urged to take necessary steps to ensure the protection of civilians affected by the situation.
