70 fishermen detained by Arakan Army to return today

The Myanmar armed group Arakan Army is returning 70 fishermen who were abducted at different times from the Naf River and Bay of Bengal areas of Teknaf, Cox's Bazar on Monday.

A delegation of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) left for the zero line of the Naf River from the Teknaf-Myanmar Transit Jetty Ghat in Jaliapara, Teknaf at noon to bring the fishermen back to their country.

BGB Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter and said that the Arakan Army has agreed to return at least 70 of the fishermen who were abducted at different times. They will be formally handed over at the zero line of the Naf River. He also said that detailed information will be provided after receiving the fishermen.

According to sources, at least 200 fishermen who were abducted along with their trawlers from the Naf River and Bay of Bengal area are still being held by the Arakan Army. While some of them are Rohingya, most of them are Bangladeshis.

It is worth noting that the incident of abducting Bangladeshi fishermen for fishing in the Naf River area near the border is not new. The authorities concerned are trying to resolve the issue through diplomatic and border level coordination.