73 fishermen detained by Arakan Army return home from Myanmar

A total of 73 fishermen detained by Myanmar's Arakan Army were brought back to Bangladesh today.

The returnees include 66 Bangladeshi nationals and seven Rohingyas, officials said.

Lt Col Md Hanifur Rahman Bhuiya, commanding officer of Teknaf 2 BGB Battalion, said at different times in 2025, many Bangladeshi fishermen unintentionally crossed into Myanmar waters while fishing in various areas of the Bay of Bengal. They were subsequently detained by the Arakan Army and sent to camps controlled by the group inside Myanmar, where they remained held for varying periods.

He said considering the humanitarian aspects of the situation, coordinated efforts were undertaken by different security forces in the Cox’s Bazar region. Through communication with the Arakan Army, significant progress was made toward the phased repatriation of the detained fishermen, and arrangements were made for their gradual handover.

Lt Col Hanifur said in the first phase, 73 fishermen were received from the Arakan Army at the Naf River zero line and brought to Teknaf jetty ghat this evening. The process of handing them over to their families is underway. Their identities have already been verified by representatives at the local upazila and union levels, along with law enforcement agencies.

He said the initiative has brought relief and reassurance to the families of the detained fishermen.

“Efforts are continuing to ensure the safe return of the remaining detained fishermen,” he added.