Thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Naf River near Shahparir Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning, March 27, 2026. The fishermen, all residents of Shahparir Island’s Majher Para and Dangorpara areas, were taken along with three fishing boats while catching fish near the Naikhyangdia area of the river.

Local union council member Abdul Mannan confirmed that the Arakan Army frequently detains fishermen, making fishing in the Naf River and nearby sea areas nearly impossible. Abdul Gafur, president of the Shahparir Island Fishermen’s Association, said the incident occurred around 7 a.m. after several engine boats had gone out to fish earlier that morning. The matter has been reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local authorities, and fear now grips the fishing community.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Inamul Hafiz Nadim stated that although no written complaint has yet been received, steps will be taken in coordination with the BGB and Coast Guard to bring the fishermen back. According to BGB and local sources, over the past 18 months, more than 400 fishermen have been detained by the Arakan Army, with about 250 later released.