Arakan Army abducts 6 Bangladeshis along with 2 trawlers

The Arakan Army has allegedly seized two trawlers along with six Bangladeshis travelling on the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s route via the Naf River in the Bay of Bengal.

Abdur Rashid, president of the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s Trawler Owners Association, came up with the allegations around 11:30 am on Wednesday (October 13).

Rashid alleged: “The two trawlers loaded with bricks, sand, and cement set off from Teknaf port on Monday afternoon with six crew members, bound for Saint Martin’s. However, due to the tidal conditions in the Naf River, they anchored near Shah Porir Dwip. From there, members of the Arakan Army seized two trawlers along with six Bangladeshis at gun point on Tuesday noon.”

BGB, Coast Guard and upazila administration have been informed after the incident, he mentioned.

Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of the Teknaf Battalion (BGB-2), said: “No one has informed us about the matter so far on behalf of the Service Trawler Owners Association. However, we are looking into the matter.”

Seeking anonymity, an official of the Coast Guard in Saint Martin’s, said that efforts were being made to communicate with Myanmar’s Arakan Army after being informed about the matter. At the same time, the matter has been reported to the higher authorities.