Arakan Army releases 29 fishermen

Myanmar's Arakan Army today freed 29 fishermen who were taken from the sea.

Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) brought the fishermen to the Teknaf-Myanmar Transit Jetty in the evening today, said Lt Col Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer (CO) of the unit.

Among the fishermen, 14 were Rohingya refugees residing in different camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya, and they will be handed over to their families later, he said.

"29 fishermen along with their boats were caught by Myanmar's Arakan Army when they crossed inadvertently into Myanmar waters while fishing. We contacted the Arakan Army, and after discussions, the fishermen were finally brought back on Thursday evening," the CO said.

Returned fisherman Aman Ullah said, "Last Thursday, while fishing on our boat near Naikhondia, the Arakan Army captured us. They told us we were being detained for illegally fishing in their waters. They did not physically abuse us, but did not provide proper food either."

Another returned fisherman, Md Hasan, said, "Our ancestors have been fishing along the Naikhondia border for generations. Fishermen have been fishing there for ages. That's why we went there. We appeal to the Bangladesh government to ensure free fishing in that area."

One of the boat owners, Badiur Rahman, said, "Though the fishermen are freed, the Arakan Army did not return the boats or fishing nets. Such incidents in the Naf River and the sea are increasing, causing fear among the fishermen."

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, "Due to BGB's efforts, the 29 detained fishermen have been brought back."