by Hafizur Rahman
Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar — September 17, 2026
A 55-year-old Bangladeshi fisherman was injured by gunfire while fishing in the Naf River near Teknaf on September 14, with local fishermen alleging that the shot was fired by members of the Arakan Army.
The injured fisherman was identified as Mohammad Idris, a resident of Uttar Jaliapara in Teknaf municipality and son of the late Ibn Amin.
The incident occurred at around 4:20 p.m. in the Myanmar side of the Naf River, east of Nazirpara in Teknaf Sadar Union, according to local fishermen.
Witnesses said several Bangladeshi fishermen were fishing in the area when people they identified as Arakan Army members approached and ordered them to leave.
The fishermen began returning towards the Bangladesh side, and gunfire was heard during their withdrawal. Idris was struck in the right knee.
Zahid, president of a local fishermen’s association in Jaliapara, said the fishermen had entered Myanmar waters and were asked to leave before the shooting occurred.
Local fishermen rescued Idris and took him to a hospital, where he received initial treatment. He was later taken home and is continuing treatment there.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer S. M. Anik Chowdhury said he had received information that a fisherman had been shot in the leg and that authorities were examining the incident.
The identity of the shooter has not been independently verified.
The incident has renewed concerns among fishermen who depend on the Naf River for their livelihoods while operating close to a volatile international border.
