Cox’s Bazar Correspondent 

At least 22 fishermen along with four fishing trawlers have been abducted at gunpoint by the Myanmar-based armed rebel group, the Arakan Army, from the Bay of Bengal, near Saint Martin’s Island.

According to Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Kayukkhaliya Fishing Trawler Owners' Association in Teknaf Municipality, the incident occurred at around 11:30 am on Tuesday near  Moulovirshil within Bangladesh’s maritime boundary off the coast of Saint Martin’s Island.

 The Arakan Army rebels approached the fishing trawlers in speedboats and took control of them at gunpoint.

Abul Kalam stated that one of the trawlers belongs to him and another to Mohammad Shawon. A total of 11 fishermen were aboard these two trawlers. Additionally, two more fishing trawlers were also abducted from the same area, but the names of those trawlers and their owners are yet to be confirmed. It is estimated that 10 to 12 more fishermen could be aboard those vessels.

He added, “The Arakan Army has been carrying out such incidents repeatedly. There is widespread fear among trawler owners, fish traders, and fishermen. We are seeking government intervention to resolve this issue.”

Abdul Mannan, a Union Parishad member from Ward 7 of Sabrang Union, confirmed hearing about the abduction of four trawlers from the sea but stated that the names of the ghats (landing points) from which the trawlers departed were unknown. He also mentioned that Arakan Army members chased several fishing trawlers from his area that had gone to sea. He said more details would emerge once the remaining trawlers returned.

Lieutenant Commander Salauddin Rashid Tanvir of the Coast Guard’s Teknaf Station confirmed that two trawlers from the Kayukkhaliya Ghat of Teknaf Municipality, with 11 fishermen on board, were taken by the Arakan Army. He added that more information is being gathered but nothing can be said with certainty at this point.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Commander of the Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, stated that an investigation is underway regarding the abduction of the trawlers.

Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “We have received reports about the abduction of fishermen along with their trawlers. Efforts will be made to bring them back in coordination with the law enforcement agencies.”