Narinjara News, 6 November 2024

"We detained them for entering our waters without permission and fishing there. We've repeatedly banned fishing in these areas and given warnings. It seems they didn't know about the change in border control and thought they could fish like before," U Khaing Thukha explained.

Previously, border guards allowed Bangladeshi fishermen to fish in certain parts of the Naf River for a fee.

"They used to fish on the Arakan side of the Naf River. During the junta's time, border guards split up the water based on their areas and let them fish for money. Some even set up fishing nets. Now they come expecting the same deal, but we don't allow it. They need to fish in their own waters; we can't let them use ours," he added.

U Khaing Thukha assured that the detained fishermen are being treated well and will be returned to Bangladesh after contacting officials.

On November 5, the Dhaka Tribune, a Dhaka-based daily newspaper, reported that the Arakan Army (AA) had taken 20 Bangladeshi fishermen and 15 fishing boats from the Naf River.

Abdus Salam, a Subrang Union Parishad member in Teknaf, said the incident happened near where the Naf River meets the Bay of Bengal, close to Naikhongdia, around 5:00 pm on Tuesday.

He reported that the fishermen were using two engine-powered boats and 13 non-engine boats when they were taken, but didn't specify exactly where in the water this occurred. (Photo: Shuttlerock)