51 Bangladeshi fishermen held hostage by Arakan Army, confirms BGB

At least 51 Bangladeshi fishermen are currently being held hostage by the Arakan Army in Myanmar, according to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Colonel Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, Sector Commander of the BGB’s Ramu sector, confirmed the development during a press briefing with journalists in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday morning.

“We do not have official communication with the Arakan Army, but informal channels are active,” said Colonel Ahmed. “We’re exerting pressure to ensure no more fishermen are abducted.”

He urged fishermen to remain vigilant and avoid crossing international maritime boundaries while fishing in the Bay of Bengal. “Due to lack of awareness and, at times, with assistance from smugglers, some fishermen cross into foreign waters and fall into dangerous situations,” he warned.

Addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis, Colonel Ahmed said some injured and vulnerable Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar have been allowed into Bangladesh purely on humanitarian grounds.

“Out of compassion, we’ve allowed a few to enter. But let me be clear — we are fully committed to securing the border,” he stated.

The BGB has increased surveillance along the border to prevent drug smuggling and illegal crossings. The government has also taken steps to strengthen border management by increasing manpower in the BGB, he added.

The press briefing was attended by key members of the Cox’s Bazar Press Club, including General Secretary Momtaz Uddin Bahari, senior journalist Shamsul Haque Sharek, Hasanur Rashid, and others.