by Hafizur Rahman
Naf River Border Area | December 4, 2025
Two Bangladeshi fishermen were taken by the Arakan Army on December 3 while fishing inside the Naf River along the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The incident occurred early in the morning near Hoai Kyang Jimong Khali, an area frequently used by fishermen from Teknaf.
Local fishermen said boats belonging to the Arakan Army approached suddenly and headed toward the fishing group. Most managed to escape, but two men were unable to flee. They have been identified as Mohammad Solim, aged fifty, and Md Reza Uddin, aged eighteen.
A Rohingya resident living near the riverbank told Rohingya Khobor that many fishermen continue working in the area because they have few other options for income. He said families suffer most when fishermen are taken, because their livelihoods disappear without warning.
This is not the first incident of this kind. On November 19, the Arakan Army detained twelve fishermen along with two boats near Saint Martin’s Island. Local sources estimate that one hundred and eighty four Bangladeshi fishermen are currently being held, including the two taken on December 3.
A Rohingya youth from Teknaf said people in the area already face hardship due to poverty, and the repeated arrests have created new fear among those who rely on the river for survival.
Families of the detained fishermen are waiting anxiously for news and hoping for their safe return.
