October 1, 2025
COX’S BAZAR – Arakan Army (AA) members allegedly abducted 14 fishermen along with two trawlers from the Bay of Bengal, off St Martin’s coast, earlier today.
The incident occurred off the west coast of Saint Martin’s Island, when two speedboats carrying AA members chased and took away the trawlers with the fishermen, confirmed Sajid Ahmed, president of Kayukkhali Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association in Teknaf.
He said around 100 Bangladeshi trawlers were fishing when the AA men launched the attack.
“They abducted 14 fishermen with two trawlers. We are hearing that the Arakan Army suspects fishing boats provide law enforcers with information about their smuggling routes. To ensure safe passage for smuggled goods, they picked up the trawlers,” he said.
According to Sajid, large trawlers from Chattogram often smuggle food, fuel, and cement to AA in Arakan through this route. Recently, several trawlers carrying such consignments were seized by the Navy and Coast Guard, prompting suspicion among AA that fishing trawlers were tipping off law enforcement agencies.
“Such incidents create panic among fishermen and traders. We need urgent government intervention,” he added.
Local fisherman Nur Kalam said the trawlers belong to Abul Kalam and Syed Alam of Kayukkhali Ghat. “Fishermen are living in fear as such incidents keep happening,” he said.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) said AA has abducted at least 314 fishermen from the Naf River and adjoining areas in last eight months. Between March and August alone, 200 fishermen were abducted, and around the same number were later rescued with BGB’s assistance. At least 114 remain in AA’s custody.
Meanwhile, Global Arakan Network, a website known as an AA mouthpiece, published photos of the 14 abducted fishermen, claiming they were detained for “illegal fishing.”
Sajid Ahmed confirmed the men seen in the photos are members of his association.