BGB Rescues 26 Fishermen, Including Rohingyas, from Arakan Army

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) successfully brought back 26 fishermen, including 21 Rohingyas, who had been detained by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

The fishermen were returned at 3:00 pm today through the Jaliyapara jetty in Teknaf, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashikur Rahman, commander of BGB Teknaf Battalion-2.

Among the 26 fishermen, five are Bangladeshi nationals, while 21 are Rohingyas from various camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

Lt Colonel Ashikur explained that the fishermen had been detained at different times by the Arakan Army for allegedly crossing into Myanmar's maritime territory. The Arakan Army controls much of the Rakhine State border, making efforts to secure their release a prolonged process.

"After continuous communication efforts, a BGB team set out by boat early in the morning towards Maungdaw to retrieve them," Ashikur said. "By 3:00 pm, they were safely brought back via a wooden boat to the Teknaf jetty."

Upon their return, the fishermen provided details of their detainment, explaining that they had accidentally entered Myanmar’s maritime boundaries while fishing. The Arakan Army had charged them with illegal entry.

The five Bangladeshi fishermen were reunited with their families, while the Rohingyas were handed over to the authorities at their respective camps, Lt Colonel Ashikur added.