Teknaf, Aug 24 (V7N) - On Sunday afternoon, 14 fishermen were abducted along with two fishing trawlers while returning from the Bay of Bengal near the Naikkhongdia coast in Teknaf, southern Bangladesh. According to local residents and trawler owners, the perpetrators were members of the Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group operating in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Sajeed Ahmed, Director of the KK Para Boat Owners' Committee in Teknaf, confirmed the abduction, stating that rough sea conditions had left several trawlers stranded at the local wharf. Taking advantage of the situation, armed members of the Arakan Army reportedly launched a sudden attack, seizing two trawlers and their crew.

“This continuous threat is causing panic among local fishermen and fish traders. The government’s intervention is essential to ensure safety in our waters,” Ahmed emphasized.

This latest incident comes less than 24 hours after another group of 12 fishermen was captured under similar circumstances. On Saturday afternoon, a fishing vessel returning from the Bay was intercepted in the same Naikkhongdia area by armed Arakan Army members. The abducted fishermen from that incident were identified as Ali Ahmed (39), Mohammad Amin (34), Fazal Karim (52), Kefayet Ullah (40), Saiful Islam (23), Saddam Hossain (40), Md. Rasel (23), Md. Swaib (22), Arif Ullah (35), Mohammad Mostaq (35), and Nurul Amin (45). One other individual remains unidentified. All are residents of various villages in Shahpori Dwip, Teknaf.

Confirming the developments, Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin stated, “We have received reports of a second abduction involving 14 fishermen and two boats. Our administration and law enforcement agencies are actively investigating both incidents and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.”

The repeated cross-border abductions have raised serious security concerns among coastal communities, with locals urging both the Bangladeshi government and international stakeholders to address the situation through diplomatic and security channels.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have reportedly increased patrols along vulnerable coastal stretches, while diplomatic efforts are being considered to engage with Myanmar’s authorities regarding the activities of rebel groups operating near the maritime boundary.

As the crisis unfolds, families of the abducted fishermen wait anxiously for updates, hoping for swift action to ensure the safe recovery of their loved ones.

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