By: Camp Correspondent
April 27, 2025 | Teknaf, Bangladesh
Two Bangladeshi fishermen who were captured by the Arakan Army (AA) near the Naf River have managed to escape and return to Bangladesh, albeit with severe injuries.
Captured While Fishing
The two fishermen were fishing along the Naf River on April 23 when they were abducted by AA forces operating along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.
After enduring days of abuse and deprivation, the men managed to break free on April 24, returning to Bangladesh later that night.
Surviving Brutal Treatment
Upon their return, the fishermen revealed that:
- They had been beaten daily,
- Had stones thrown at them,
- And were denied food throughout their captivity.
Both men sustained multiple injuries to their shoulders, arms, and backs, and were in critical condition when they arrived back.
“We had no food, no rest, and no mercy. Every day they hurt us. We escaped because it was either that—or death,” said one of the survivors.
Growing Threat Along the Border
Since December 8, 2024, after the AA/ULA forces took full control of the Myanmar side of the Naf River, incidents of:
- Bangladeshi fishermen being abducted,
- Boats being seized,
- And intimidation along the river
have significantly increased.
Local fishermen now live in constant fear whenever they venture out to sea.
Urgent Need for Border Security
This latest incident highlights the urgent need for:
- Stronger border security measures,
- Protection for vulnerable fishermen,
- And regional cooperation to prevent further abductions and violence.
Authorities are calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety of civilians living and working along the Bangladesh-Myanmar frontier.
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