BGB brings back 24 fishermen held by Arakan Army

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 24 fishermen who were held captive by Myanmar's armed group Arakan Army. Among them, 18 are Bangladeshi nationals and six are forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals who are residents of the Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

A BGB delegation received the fishermen from the Arakan Army at the zero line of the Naf River around noon on Wednesday (August 19). They were then brought safely to the Teknaf jetty. The BGB shared this information in a press release sent in the afternoon.

The BGB said several Bangladeshi fishermen had inadvertently entered Myanmar's territorial waters while fishing in the Bay of Bengal at various times during 2025 and 2026. They were then detained by the Arakan Army and kept in the group's controlled areas and various prisons inside Myanmar.

Considering the humanitarian aspect of the detained fishermen, the BGB took initiatives to bring them back home. Following prolonged communication and efforts, progress was made in the process of bringing them back in phases. As part of this, 24 fishermen were brought back on Wednesday.

The BGB confirmed that the identification process of the repatriated fishermen is underway. After their identities are verified through the local upazila administration and law enforcement agencies, they will be handed over to their families.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commanding officer of Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB), said that alongside border security, ensuring the safety of citizens' lives and property is one of the BGB's primary responsibilities. Through coordination with relevant parties, it has been possible to bring the detained fishermen back to the country, addressing the humanitarian crisis.

He further said BGB's efforts will continue to safely bring back all remaining fishermen held by the Arakan Army.

Earlier in February 2026, BGB had brought back 73 fishermen who were held by the Arakan Army in Myanmar.