The Arakan Army, based in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, abducted five Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River, a day after returning 73 on 16 February.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night (17 February) near Shahporir Dwip, by the confluence of the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal, confirmed trawler owner Mohammad Ullah.
Mohammad Ullah said the fishermen had anchored near Noakhali after fishing by Saint Martin’s Island when Arakan Army members seized them and their trawler from a speedboat.
The abducted fishermen are: Shah Alam, 20, son of the late Syed Alam; Abul Hossain, son of the late Nozu Mia; Md Abbas, 40, son of the late Mokbul Ahmed; Abdul Sahed, 18, son of Abdul Majid; and Md Yunus, 40, son of the late Md Hossain. All are from Jaliapara area of Shahporir Dwip, Teknaf.
Lieutenant Commander Akib of Chattogram Zone Coast Guard has been informed and is coordinating with senior officials and the BGB.
BGB sources said over 400 fishermen are still held by the Arakan Army across the Naf River and Bay of Bengal, with border and diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure their release after 73 were returned earlier.
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