Press Release Regarding the Transfer of 5 Bangladeshi Nationals Who Illegally Entered Arakan Territorial Waters to Fish, back to the Border Guard Bangladesh
October 10, 2024
On October 7, 2024, at 11:43 AM, a boat from two vessels that had illegally entered Arakan territorial waters near the Bangladesh border (Naff River) to fish was intercepted by Arakan Army and Coast Guards. One boat managed to flee back into Bangladeshi waters, while the other was seized. On board were five Bangladeshi fishermen:
1. Abdur Rahim (22 years old)
2. Md Rasel Mia (23 years old)
3. Md Saiful Mia (17 years old)
4. Borhan Uddin (19 years old)
5. Md Rashed (24 years old)
These individuals were temporarily detained for questioning, following proper security procedures, by the Arakan Army and Coast Guards.
In some parts of Maungdaw Township, where the Arakan Army is conducting operations but lacks full control, extremist armed groups such as ARSA, RSO, and ARA, trained by the Myanmar military, have been engaging in violence against innocent locals, traders, and fishermen, including abductions and attacks.
Furthermore, illegal border crossings, smuggling, and trespassing along the Bangladesh-Arakan border and the Naff River continue. There have been reports of armed extremists disguising themselves as fishermen to commit acts of violence in the area.
The Arakan Army, in collaboration with public security forces and Coast Guards remains dedicated to protecting innocent civilians in Arakan, regardless of ethnicity or religion, ensuring their safety, property, and security. The forces are working with local communities to maintain peace at the border, enforce the rule of law, and prevent extremist groups from gaining a foothold along the Naff River. Security forces are also pursuing extremist militants still at large.
There have been previous instances where fishermen who inadvertently entered Arakanese territorial waters due to storms or other circumstances were safely rescued and handed over to Bangladeshi authorities. In response to the requests of Bangladeshi officials, the five Bangladeshi nationals who were detained for illegal fishing were released on October 9, 2024, at 12:50 PM, after signing pledges not to engage in such activities again. The fishermen confirmed they were not mistreated during their detention.
Officials from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) held a press conference to acknowledge the safe return of the five Bangladeshi nationals and provided details regarding the incident.
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