Families anxious as Arakan Army abducts 23 fishermen, relatives demand immediate release
Twahidul Islam, Cox'sBazar
Tension grips the families of 23 fishermen who were allegedly abducted by the armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Bay of Bengal near Saint Martin’s Island.
The fishermen were taken along with four fishing trawlers, and no communication has been established since the incident. Families have urged the government to take swift action to bring them back.
According to Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Kayukkhaliya Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association in Teknaf Municipality, the incident occurred around 11:30 AM on Tuesday. He said, the Arakan Army abducted the fishermen at gunpoint from the Bangladeshi waters near an area called Maulovirshil, close to Saint Martin’s Island.
He added, “The Arakan Army arrived in speedboats and seized the trawlers while they were fishing near Saint Martin’s. One of the trawlers, which belongs to me, had five fishermen aboard. Another, owned by Mohammad Shawon, had six, and the remaining two, owned by Abdul Hakim, carried 12 fishermen in total. Since then, there has been no trace of the 23 abducted individuals.”
The authorities, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard, have been informed, he said, adding that similar incidents have occurred in the past, but the abducted individuals were eventually returned. He urged immediate action to ensure their safe return.
Abdul Mannan, a member of Ward 7 of the Sabrang Union Parishad, said, “We’ve heard about the abduction of the 23 fishermen along with four trawlers from the sea. As of Wednesday afternoon, their families have not received any information, which has heightened their anxiety.”
Lieutenant Commander Salauddin Rashid Tanvir of the Teknaf Coast Guard Station confirmed that efforts are underway to recover the abducted fishermen and their trawlers.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer of BGB Teknaf-2 Battalion, said, initiatives are ongoing to bring the fishermen back since the moment the abduction was reported.
Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehshan Uddin said, we are aware of the abduction incident involving fishing trawlers and fishermen. Efforts are being made in coordination with law enforcement agencies to secure their return.”
