Three Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly taken along with their trawler by Myanmar’s armed Arakan Army group from the Naf River estuary in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 11:30am on Saturday, August 8, in the Naikhyangdia area, where the Naf River meets the Bay of Bengal. The report said the group crossed Bangladesh’s waters before detaining the fishermen.

The fishermen were identified as 30-year-old Jasim Uddin, son of Leda Mia, and 27-year-old Mohammad Ismail, son of Momtaz Mia, both from Jaliapara in Shahporir Dwip. A third detainee was described as an unidentified teenager. Abdul Gani, president of the Jaliapara boat terminal committee, said the fishermen had gone fishing that morning when Arakan Army members detained them.

Gani said 20 to 25 fishermen had previously been taken from the area and that fishing in the river and sea had become highly risky. Acting chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad Abdul Mannan said local authorities were being informed. Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer SM Anik Chowdhury said contact was being made with Border Guard Bangladesh and necessary steps would be taken to bring the fishermen back.