Naung Min Thu, Narinjara News, 12 February 2025 

The Arakan Army (AA) has captured 10 Bangladeshi fishermen who moved across the border into the waters close to the Naf River in Maungdaw Township, an area under the control of the AA. 

The detained fishermen are: Muhammad Adu Hasan (35), Jabal (14), Abdul Rohain (21), Muhammad Hassan (19), Hamitusan (47), Khobi Ramaut (36), Mamutusan (25), Nawzin Uddin (35), Nuru Hussain (38), and Amanan Ullah (53). 

On the morning of February 11, the AA Coast Guard detained four fishermen in the waters close to the Naf River, while another six were captured around 3:00 pm that day near Ah Lel Than Kyaw Beach. 

A resident of Maungdaw remarked, "Fishermen from Bangladesh are more frequently coming to the Naf River in Maungdaw and the waters near Arakan in the Bay of Bengal to fish unlawfully. The AA Navy has apprehended 10 Bangladeshis for conducting illegal fishing activities.“

Four of the arrested fishermen hail from Dakshinpara, Shah Porir Dwip, Teknaf, Bangladesh, whereas the other six originate from Jadimura No. 26 Refugee Camp in Teknaf. 

The Dhaka Tribune, a news outlet located in Bangladesh, stated that the relatives of the detained persons have lodged a complaint with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). 

According to the report, the BGB is presently looking into the issue and striving for the prompt return of the 10 fishermen. 

The AA has not released a statement regarding the incident so far. 

A businessman involved in the fishing sector in Maungdaw noted that there are reduced numbers of local fishermen in the Arakan Sea and Naf River within Maungdaw Township. He observed that the plentiful fish and shrimp in the waters are contributing to a rise in illegal fishing by fishermen coming over the border from Bangladesh into Arakan. 

"Following the 2017 conflict in Maungdaw Township, fishing in both the sea and the Naf River has entirely ceased. The Arakan ethnic communities and Hindus in Maungdaw seldom venture out to the sea or river for fishing. They are unable to reach the sea anymore. Consequently, the occurrence of illegal fishing by Bangladeshis is rising every day," he stated. 

Ah Lel Than Kyaw Beach, Kyauk Pan Du Beach, Koe Tan Kauk Beach, the Naf River mouth in the Bay of Bengal, and regions along the Naf River are abundant in fish and shrimp. 

Area economic analysts indicate that if the local community can manage the fishing industry in these regions systematically, it may result in considerable economic development. 

On October 15, 2024, the AA Navy detained 16 Bangladeshi fishermen for illegally fishing after they entered the Arakan Sea. They were transferred to the BGB. 

In November 2024, AA Coast Guard personnel captured approximately 60 Bangladeshi fishing vessels that had entered Arakan waters unlawfully and were fishing there. Fifteen boats were seized—two equipped with engines and 13 without—and 20 fishermen from Bangladesh were detained. 

After interrogating the fishermen, the AA turned them over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) without administering any penalties. 

The AA indicated that this clemency was granted due to worries about the well-being of the families of Bangladeshi fishermen who frequently partake in illegal fishing in Arakan waters.