Bangladeshi fishermen operating near the Naf River and in the Bay of Bengal are increasingly falling victim to detentions by the Arakan Army (AA), a powerful armed group in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, raising serious concerns over maritime security, livelihoods, and regional stability.
According to official data provided by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and reported by Prothom Alo, between December 2024 and November 12, 2025, the AA has detained a total of 341 Bangladeshi fishermen. Of these, 189 fishermen along with 27 trawlers have been successfully returned in several batches through coordinated BGB efforts, while 152 fishermen and 20 trawlers remain in custody, pending release.
Recent Incidents Highlight Rising Tensions
- November 12, 2025: AA detained 13 fishermen along with 2 trawlers south of St. Martin’s Island. The Teknaf Boat Owners Association confirmed the incident.
- Earlier 2025: Multiple batches of fishermen were rescued by the BGB, including 29 fishermen in February and 26 fishermen in March, some of whom were Rohingya, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of the detentions.
- Ongoing Situation: Efforts continue to bring back the remaining 152 fishermen and 20 trawlers still held by the AA.
“The repeated detentions are creating fear among fishermen and disrupting their livelihoods,” said a spokesperson from the Teknaf Boat Owners Association. “Many are hesitant to venture into traditional fishing areas due to security concerns.”
Operational Details and Violence
The abductions are carried out by AA coastal security units using high-speed boats, primarily targeting fishing trawlers operating in the Naf River estuary and the deep sea off St. Martin’s Island. The AA routinely alleges the fishermen are engaged in “illegal fishing” in Rakhine waters.
Though confirmed deaths among the 341 detained Bangladeshi nationals have not been officially reported, the crisis is not without violence. Reports indicate that at least two Bangladeshi fishermen were injured after the AA opened fire during a separate incident near Shah Porir Dwip in May 2025, underscoring the life-threatening risks faced by those operating near the boundary. The current status and physical well-being of the 152 missing individuals remain a grave source of concern.
Diplomatic and Economic Fallout
The continuous action by a non-state armed group inside or near Bangladesh’s recognized territorial waters represents a severe challenge to Dhaka’s maritime sovereignty. This consistent aggression undermines national jurisdiction and stability.
On the ground, the situation has led to economic paralysis. The fear of detention has forced hundreds of fishermen and boat owners in Cox’s Bazar to suspend operations. The livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on fishing in this vital zone are in jeopardy, causing a regional income crisis and impacting the national seafood supply chain.
Border Guard Bangladesh officials confirm that they have intensified patrols in the area. They state that diplomatic channels are being utilized to facilitate the safe and immediate repatriation of the remaining 152 fishermen, reiterating that the stability of the border and the safety of Bangladeshi citizens are the country’s top priority amidst the volatile civil conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
Sources: Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Teknaf Boat Owners Association, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, TBS News, Dhaka Tribune.
