Bangladeshi fishermen are being detained and taken away from the Naf River and estuary after crossing the zero line into Myanmar waters, not abducted by the Arakan Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials have confirmed.
Colonel Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, Commander of BGB’s Ramu Sector, said, the entire border area adjacent to Bangladesh is now under the control of Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army. Amid fighting between Myanmar’s government forces and rebel groups, several armed Rohingya factions have also become active, which has increased Arakan Army activities along the border. As a result, incidents of Bangladeshi fishermen being detained after inadvertently crossing into Myanmar waters are occurring.
Speaking at a press briefing with journalists at the BGB Ramu Sector headquarters on Thursday afternoon, Col. Ahmed explained that natural underwater shoals have formed in several areas near the Naf River estuary. To avoid accidents at sea, fishermen sometimes navigate through Myanmar waters, and at times unintentionally cross the boundary. This has led to their detention by the Arakan Army.
Providing further information, he stated: “So far, 51 Bangladeshi fishermen are being held by the Arakan Army. Although they are a non-state group, BGB maintains informal communication with them. Discussions are ongoing regarding the detained fishermen, and we are pressing them to ensure no further detentions take place.”
He emphasized that fishermen must strictly adhere to internationally recognized maritime boundaries while fishing.
Meanwhile, Col. Ahmed noted that, on humanitarian grounds, Bangladesh has allowed entry to a limited number of Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar. “Some injured and helpless Rohingya were permitted entry purely out of humanitarian consideration. However, we remain fully committed to border security. Strict surveillance continues to prevent drug trafficking and illegal crossings.”
He also added that the government has already decided to increase manpower for BGB to address the evolving situation at the border. “BGB is fully prepared to deal with any emerging challenges along the border,” he said.
The briefing was attended by senior BGB officials, including Lt. Colonel S.M. Khairul Alam, Commanding Officer of Cox’s Bazar Battalion-34, and Lt. Colonel Kazi Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Commanding Officer of Ramu Battalion-30.
