By Camp Correspondent
March 6, 2025
The junta naval forces detained 56 Bangladeshi fishermen along with six fishing boats in the Bay of Bengal, alleging that they had entered Myanmar’s territorial waters.
However, they were released after a few hours, though their fishing nets and the fish they had caught were confiscated.
According to Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, the fishermen safely returned to Teknaf earlier today.
“They arrived this morning, and the Coast Guard is investigating the matter,” he stated.
Fishermen Accused of Border Violation
The detention took place on the afternoon of March 5, when the junta naval forces intercepted the fishing boats approximately 10 to 15 kilometers south of St. Martin’s Island.
Myanmar authorities claimed that the fishermen had crossed into their waters illegally.
Abdul Mannan, a member of Sabrang Union Parishad’s Ward 7, confirmed the location of the incident, saying that the junta navy had seized the boats while they were fishing in the deep sea.
Fishing Equipment Seized
Although the fishermen were allowed to return home, they reported that the junta navy did not return their fishing nets or the fish they had caught.
“The fishermen informed us that their nets and fish were taken by the junta navy,” UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin added.
Local Authorities Monitoring the Situation
Bashir Ahmed, chairman of the Shah Porir Dwip Southpara Trawler Owners’ Association, expressed concern over the incident.
“We have learned about what happened to the fishermen who returned from the sea,” he said.
Bangladeshi authorities are currently investigating the matter to understand the circumstances and ensure the safety of local fishermen operating in the Bay of Bengal.
