The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 14 fishermen, including a Rohingya national, who were detained by the Arakan Army, Myanmar’s armed rebel group, after crossing into Myanmar waters through different points in the Bay of Bengal and the Naf River.
Among the returnees, 13 are Bangladeshi nationals while one is a Rohingya, confirmed Commanding Officer of Teknaf-2 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Lt Col Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan.
He said the fishermen were handed over to BGB at the zero line of the Naf River today (9 May).
According to the officer, several Bangladeshi fishermen unintentionally entered Myanmar territorial waters while fishing in different parts of the Bay of Bengal during 2025 and 2026. They were later detained by the Arakan Army and transferred to different camps controlled by the group inside Myanmar.
Following the detentions, Cox’s Bazar BGB initiated communication with the Arakan Army on humanitarian grounds in an effort to secure the fishermen’s release.
“Through long efforts and coordination, significant progress was achieved in ensuring the phased return of the detained fishermen, leading to their handover,” Lt Col Hanifur said.
He added that the identities of the returnees are currently being verified with the assistance of local administration representatives and law enforcement agencies. “They will later be handed over to their families.”
The BGB official further said the force continues to play a responsible role in ensuring border security as well as protecting the lives and property of citizens.
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