Arakan Army Hands Over 55 Bangladeshi Fishermen to Border Guards

In a rare cross-border handover, the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group operating in western Myanmar, released 55 Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained for weeks. The fishermen were officially handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on April 16, 2025, through the Teknaf-Myanmar trade jetty near Chaung Duri Para, a coastal area in Rakhine State.

According to BGB officials, the fishermen were captured by the AA while fishing in the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf, a town in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar district. The group was reportedly taken across the maritime border into Myanmar-controlled territory and held in AA custody.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashiqur Rahman, commander of BGB Battalion No. 2 in Teknaf, confirmed the handover and said that the men had been safely returned following diplomatic and military coordination efforts. “After continuous negotiations and pressure, we were able to bring them back on Wednesday,” he said.

Boats and Equipment Not Returned

While the release of the fishermen brought relief to their families and local authorities, the Arakan Army did not return the fishing boats or gear. According to Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Kayukkhali Fishing Boat Owners Association, the missing vessels and fishing nets are estimated to be worth over 1.5 million Bangladeshi Taka (approximately 30 million Myanmar Kyat).

“We have confirmed that six of the released fishermen belong to our fleet,” said Kalam. “But unfortunately, the AA has not returned the boats or the fishing equipment, which is a major financial loss.”

Background of the Incident

The detained fishermen were part of multiple crews operating in the Bay of Bengal when they reportedly strayed into Myanmar’s territorial waters. Such incidents are not uncommon along the poorly marked maritime border between Bangladesh and Myanmar, where fishing vessels often venture into disputed or sensitive areas.

The Arakan Army, which is fighting for greater autonomy for the Rakhine ethnic group in Myanmar, has in the past detained individuals and fishermen for crossing into its territory. However, large-scale handovers of foreign nationals like this are relatively rare.

Ongoing Investigation and Repatriation

The BGB is currently holding the returned fishermen in custody for questioning and documentation. Officials stated that the men will be reunited with their families once formal procedures are completed.

Local communities in Teknaf have welcomed the safe return of the fishermen but have expressed concern over future security in the Bay of Bengal. Maritime authorities in both countries are being urged to implement clearer navigation boundaries and communication protocols to prevent future incidents.

Photo Source: Voice7News