Arakan Army enters Bangladeshi waters, abducts three fishermen

Three fishermen have been abducted by the Arakan Army (AA), an armed group from Myanmar, after they entered Bangladeshi territorial waters and approached the mouth of the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. The incident occurred around 11:30am on Saturday, August 8, in the Naikhyangdia area at the confluence of the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal .

The abducted fishermen are: Jasim Uddin, 40, son of Ledu Mia; Mohammad Ismail, 45, son of Momtaz Mia; and Harun, 37, son of Mohammad Ayub Ali—all residents of the Jaliapara area on Shahporir Dwip in Teknaf upazila's Sabrang Union.

Abdul Gani, president of the Shahporir Dwip Jaliapara Ghat Fishermen's Committee, said the three fishermen were abducted by AA members while fishing in the Naf River on Saturday morning. He also noted that 20 to 25 fishermen had been taken from the same area previously.

He said fishing in the Naf River and the sea has become extremely risky for fishermen, who constantly live in fear of the Arakan Army. They arrive by speedboat and take fishermen at gunpoint whenever they get the chance .

Abdul Mannan, acting chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad, confirmed the incident and said concerned authorities have been informed to secure the fishermen's release.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer S M Anik Chowdhury said AA members chased the fishermen after entering Bangladeshi waters. While a few fishermen jumped from their boats and swam to safety, three were captured. He said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been contacted, and necessary steps will be taken to bring the fishermen back .

Local fishermen said they have been living in constant fear while fishing in the Naf River and border areas of the Bay of Bengal since the conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State intensified. The abduction of fishermen by Arakan Army members has further heightened their anxiety .