Arakan Army hands over 29 Bangladeshi fishermen

Twenty-nine Bangladeshi fishermen, who were detained by Myanmar’s Arakan Army, have been released after a week and returned to Bangladesh.  

The fishermen were brought back on Thursday via the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin stated, “The 29 fishermen, who were taken by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Naf River, have been safely repatriated. Their health is being assessed, and after completing the necessary formalities, they will be handed over to their families.”  

The return was facilitated by the Border Guard Bangladesh, ensuring their safe passage back to the country.  

Among the returning fishermen are Md Kala Mia (37), Md Nurul Alam (39), Abdul Rahman (19), Md Abul Kalam Ahmed (29), Md Lalu (11), Md Kabir Ahmed (43), Mohammad Yunus (23), Nurul Islam (34), Md Lutfor Rahman (23), and Rahim Ullah (21), all residents of Shah Porir Dwip, Majherpara. The identities of the remaining fishermen are yet to be confirmed.  

Local authorities reported that the group had unintentionally crossed the border while fishing on February 11 and 20. They were aboard six motorized boats when they were apprehended by the Arakan Army.