Fishermen operating along the Naf River and adjacent coastal waters report a surge in abductions allegedly carried out by the Arakan Army (AA), an ethnic armed group active in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Victims include both Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya refugees, according to local community leaders, boat owners, and relatives of those taken.
A Pattern of Seizures at Sea
Families in Teknaf and Ukhiya say small fishing trawlers have been intercepted near the maritime boundary or in disputed waters. Survivors describe armed men boarding vessels, confiscating engines and nets, and taking crew members away to undisclosed locations across the river. In several cases, relatives claim they later received demands for ransom conveyed through intermediaries.
Community representatives allege that the abductions appear indiscriminate—targeting crews regardless of nationality—heightening fear among coastal residents who rely on daily catches for survival. Local fishing associations report that dozens of boats have curtailed operations due to safety concerns.
Vulnerable Rohingya Refugees
Rohingya refugees living in camps near Cox’s Bazar are particularly exposed. With limited legal livelihoods, some refugees take high-risk jobs in coastal fishing to support their families. Aid workers warn that the combination of poverty, porous waterways, and ongoing conflict across the border creates conditions ripe for exploitation and coercion.
Human rights observers note that abductions for ransom and forced labor have historically accompanied periods of instability in Rakhine State. While independent verification remains difficult due to restricted access, the pattern described by families suggests a worsening security environment along the river corridor.
Cross-Border Tensions and Security Risks
The alleged incidents risk straining already delicate cross-border dynamics between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Security analysts caution that continued abductions could escalate tensions, disrupt local trade, and deepen mistrust among border communities.
Bangladeshi authorities have reportedly increased patrols and advised fishermen to avoid high-risk zones. However, fishermen say economic necessity often compels them to venture out despite the dangers.
Calls for Accountability
Civil society groups are urging an impartial investigation into the alleged abductions and the immediate release of civilians held unlawfully. They are also calling for stronger coordination to safeguard fishing communities and prevent further targeting of vulnerable populations.
As families await news of missing relatives, fear continues to ripple across the coastline. For many in Teknaf and surrounding areas, the river that once sustained their livelihoods has become a source of uncertainty and peril.
