Bangladesh has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Myanmar following the tragic death of a Bangladeshi fisherman, Md. Osman, who was shot and killed by Myanmar’s Navy on October 9. The incident occurred in the Bay of Bengal, near Moulvir Shil, close to Saint Martin’s Island, when Myanmar Navy personnel opened fire on a Bangladeshi fishing trawler.
The fisherman, Md. Osman, 60, hailed from Konarpara in Shah Porir Dwip and worked aboard a trawler owned by Saiful Company. The attack left three others injured, and in a further escalation, four trawlers carrying 60 crew members were seized by Myanmar forces. While the trawlers and crew were later released, the damage had already been done.
In response to the incident, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded protest note to the Myanmar embassy in Dhaka, expressing deep concern and demanding that such aggressive actions cease immediately. The government emphasized the need for Myanmar to respect Bangladesh’s maritime sovereignty and avoid future provocations.
Tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and in the Bay of Bengal have been on the rise, with incidents like this exacerbating the situation. Dhaka’s protest underscores the urgency for both nations to engage diplomatically and avoid further escalation in this already delicate region.
The incident has sparked outrage in coastal areas, where fishing communities are calling for better protection and accountability. “We are living in fear every day. It’s a matter of our livelihood,” said one fisherman from Shah Porir Dwip. Local authorities are urging the government to ensure the safety of those working at sea and to resolve the growing tensions with Myanmar.
Bangladesh hopes that by raising this issue diplomatically, it can prevent future losses and ensure the safety of its citizens.
