by Hafizur Rahman
Rathedaung, Rakhine State, April 28, 2026 — Two boats carrying dried fish from Bangladesh to Sittwe were seized by the Arakan Army on April 24, and 11 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested during the operation, according to initial reports.
The first boat was located around 1:20 PM near the coast between Done Paik and Chain Khali in Rathedaung Township after it stopped due to engine problems and anchored near the shore. On board were six men and one woman from Bangladesh.
Members of the Arakan Army coastal guard detained them and searched the boat. They reportedly found 23 packages of dried fish, along with two sacks of betel nut, two sacks of contraceptives, four mobile phones, and 500 taka in cash.
At around 2:18 PM, a second boat arrived to assist the damaged vessel. This boat carried four Bangladeshi men and was also seized by the coastal guard, with all occupants taken into custody.
In total, 11 Bangladeshi nationals, along with both boats and the seized items, are being held by the Arakan Army. Authorities said further legal steps are being taken in line with existing procedures.
