20 Bangladeshi fishermen allegedly kidnapped by Arakan Army

Myanmar's insurgent Arakan Army allegedly took 20 Bangladeshi fishermen hostage from the Naf River while they were fishing on Tuesday evening, said authorities.

Moreover, 15 small wooden boats from the estuary of the river near Naikhongdia of Teknaf upazila were captured.

Local Union Parishad (UP) member Abdus Salam confirmed the matter saying that the fishermen from Shahparir Island, who were fishing near Naikhongdia with about 15 boats, were taken hostage at gunpoint by the Arakan Army.

All the fishermen are residents of Teknaf, he said, adding that they have already informed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) about the matter.

Lt. Col Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of Teknaf-2 BGB, said they are in contact with Myanmar authorities to negotiate their release and are making efforts to bring them back.

Earlier on October 9, Myanmar's Navy took away 58 fishermen from the Bangladesh side of the Bay of Bengal, near Saint Martin's Island.

One fisherman was killed and two others were injured when Myanmar Navy opened fire on them.

On the next day, Myanmar authorities returned the fishermen in two separate groups, along with the body of one of the deceased.