[🇧🇩-Land] Arakan Army----A rising security threat to Bangladesh

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BGB brings back 26 Bangladeshi fishermen detained by Arakan Army

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 26 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army, a separatist armed group in Myanmar, from the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. On Saturday afternoon (March 15), these fishermen were returned via the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BGB brings back 26 Bangladeshi fishermen detained by Arakan Army
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 15, 2025 23:00
Updated :
Mar 15, 2025 23:00

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 26 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army, a separatist armed group in Myanmar, from the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

On Saturday afternoon (March 15), these fishermen were returned via the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf, UNB reports.

Lieutenant Colonel Ashikur Rahman, the commanding officer of BGB 2 Teknaf, said, "The 26 Bangladeshi fishermen, who were taken from near the Teknaf-Cox's Bazar-Saint Martin's Island area, have been returned. They have been brought through the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip. They are currently undergoing a medical test, and will be handed over to their families afterward."

He also said, "The fishermen had accidentally crossed the Bangladesh-Myanmar border while fishing and entered Myanmar's waters. As a result, they were detained. We are raising awareness among the fishermen about this issue."

Sheikh Ehsan, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Teknaf, said, "The fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Bay of Bengal have been brought back. The process of handing them over to their families is ongoing."​

 

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Govt initiates talks with Arakan Army

Bangladesh has been in discussions with the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group based in Rakhine, under a United Nations initiative for restoring stability in the state of Myanmar with an aim to send back the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh...

www.newagebd.net

Govt initiates talks with Arakan Army
Staff Correspondent 09 April, 2025, 00:24

A file photo of Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. | New Age photo

Bangladesh has been in discussions with the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group based in Rakhine, under a United Nations initiative for restoring stability in the state of Myanmar with an aim to send back the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh.

The government is also mulling an option to allow a ‘humanitarian channel’ for providing aids to the conflict-ridden Rakhine state under the UN initiative.

‘We are discussing the repatriation process of Rohingyas with the Arakan Army, who has the declared position to take back the Rohingyas since Rakhine is an autonomous state of Myanmar,’ the chief adviser’s high representative on Rohingya issue and priority matters Khalilur Rahman told a press conference in Dhaka city on Tuesday while sharing the outcome of the interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s participation in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3-4.

He said that they have continued discussions over the Rohingya repartition, the only solution to the crisis, with Myanmar authorities and all other stakeholders, including international communities, as they were having the list of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh verified by the Myanmar authorities as per a bilateral deal with Myanmar signed in 2018.

Khalilur said that the UN had brokered the talks between the Arakan Army and the Bangladesh authorities in efforts to establish a ‘humanitarian channel’ from Bangladesh to the Rakhine state devastated by the ongoing conflicts and now in need of medical and other supplies.

‘The UN has brought the two parties to the table for discussions. We are considering providing humanitarian assistance, led by the UN, to the crisis-ridden Rakhine state,’ said Khalilur, a former diplomat.

He said that the return of Rohingyas would not proceed until there was a stable situation in the Rakhine state where the Arakan Army, military wing of the United League of Arakan, was fighting against Myanmar military forces for greater autonomy.

Bangladesh was in discussions with the Myanmar regime, the authorities controlling Arakan (Rakhine state) on the ground, international communities and friendly countries as well, he added.

He said that the summit in Bangkok highlighted regional cooperation, including discussions on the protracted Rohingya crisis.

‘During the summit, I met U Than Swe, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We have made significant progress regarding the repatriation since the agreement was signed in 2018 with them,’ said Khalilur.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has submitted a list of 8,00,000 Rohingyas in six phases between 2018 and 2020. Myanmar has reviewed 2,50,000 of these names and identified 1,80,000 people who they confirmed for repatriation to Myanmar initially.

‘They (Rohingyas) are not leaving tomorrow. A repatriation process requires careful preparation — ensuring safety, livelihood opportunities and a stable environment,’ he added.

While visiting Bangladesh, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres on March 15 said in Dhaka that return of Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar in the present situation was extremely difficult and raised the issue of allowing a humanitarian channel from Bangladesh to the Rakhine state.

‘If circumstances allow to have a humanitarian channel from Bangladesh that is obviously a matter. That would require authorisation and cooperation,’ he said.

Responding to a question, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain, however, said on the day that the issue of providing a ‘humanitarian corridor’ from Bangladesh to the bordering Rakhine state of Myanmar was not discussed with the UN secretary general during the visit.

He said that Bangladesh also believed that the solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis must be found in Myanmar, and its primary solution was return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in a safe, dignified, and voluntary manner as over 12 lakh displaced people from the Rakhine state were sheltered in Cox’s Bazar camps.

There was heavy fighting between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army, said Guterres, who visited Bangladesh from March 13 to March 16, responding to the issue of Rohingya repatriation from Bangladesh.

Without giving further details, he said that dialogues must be held with the Arakan Army.

The Bangladesh government has been continuing efforts to send back the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to their homeland without any progress, with the number of displaced people sheltered in Bangladesh camps increasing every year since the 2017 influx of Rohingyas amid a military crackdown on them in the Rakhine state.

The number of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh camps is increasing with an average new births of 30,000 every year, according to the government data.​

 

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Arakan Army abducts 3 Bangladeshis from Naf River

Myanmar armed terrorist group Arakan Army (AA) has abducted three Bangladeshis along with their boat from river Naf in the Leda area of Hnila union in Teknaf. The abductees were identified as Siddique Hossain, 27, Rabiul Alam, 27 and Mahmud Hossain, 30. They are residents of East Ledar...

en.prothomalo.com

Arakan Army abducts 3 Bangladeshis from Naf River
Staff Correspondent Cox’s Bazar
Published: 12 May 2025, 22: 58

Myanmar's Rakhine state's Maungdaw on one side of Naf river,Teknaf on this side File photo

Myanmar armed terrorist group Arakan Army (AA) has abducted three Bangladeshis along with their boat from river Naf in the Leda area of Hnila union in Teknaf.

The abductees were identified as Siddique Hossain, 27, Rabiul Alam, 27 and Mahmud Hossain, 30. They are residents of East Leda Lamarpara village in the union.

Acting chairman of Hnila union parishad, Mohammad Ali confirmed the matter to Prothom Alo.

The Arakan Army took over the city of Maungdaw in Rakhine state of Myanmar on 8 December after 11 months of clash with the Myanmar Junta.

Their activities along the Naf River and various points of the Bay of Bengal have increased since then. Crimes like abducting Bangladeshi fishermen with their trawler have also increased simultaneously. The local fishermen blamed the Arakan Army for these incidents.

Hnila union acting chairman Mohammad Ali told Prothom Alo those who were abducted today were not fishermen. Nobody knows why they went there. However, they had informed the locals before getting onboard. The Arakan Army opened fire towards them after seeing their boat and chased them down and eventually abducted them. The district administration has been notified, the UP chairman said.

The local fishermen also confirmed the abduction. Quoting them, Hnila union parishad member from ward no. 8, Nurul Huda said the Arakan Army abducted them at gunpoint.

Teknaf upazila nirbahi officer, Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said, “The Arakan Army imposed a ban on fishing and boat movement on Naf River after taking over the Rakhine state in December. I have been informed about the abduction of three persons today. We are looking into the matter.”

Speaking regarding this, Teknaf-2 BGB battalion captain Colonel Ashikur Rahman said, “I heard about the incident. However, it is not yet clear whether they are fishermen or drug peddlers as we have seized several big consignments of drugs recently from the area.”

Since December last year, the Arakan Army has abducted as many as 204 Bangladeshi fishermen so far from river Naf and different points of the Bay of Bengal. The Border Guard Bangladesh has rescued 189 of them.​

 

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Arakan army halts trade at Teknaf land port, demands 'tax' on cross-border goods

Cross-border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar through Teknaf Land Port has been suspended for over six weeks due to interference by Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army, which is reportedly demanding unauthorised taxes on goods being transported across the border. According to port aut

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Arakan army halts trade at Teknaf land port, demands 'tax' on cross-border goods

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 28, 2025 23:41
Updated :
May 28, 2025 23:41

Cross-border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar through Teknaf Land Port has been suspended for over six weeks due to interference by Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army, which is reportedly demanding unauthorised taxes on goods being transported across the border.

According to port authorities and traders, the Arakan Army began obstructing trade operations after taking control of parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine State from the ruling military junta. Several instances have been reported where cargo vessels en route to Teknaf were intercepted mid-river on the Naf River by Arakan Army forces.

As a result, both Bangladeshi importers and Myanmar exporters have suffered heavy financial losses. Goods worth crores of taka, including cement and potatoes meant for export to Myanmar, are lying idle in warehouses at the Teknaf port. Similarly, goods bound for Bangladesh are stuck on the Myanmar side, according to local media.

Ehtershamul Haque Bahadur, General Secretary of the Teknaf C&F Agents Association, said, “We are legally conducting import and export activities and paying taxes to the Myanmar government. Why should we pay taxes to a rebel group?” He added that the situation has been reported to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), the District Commissioner, and relevant authorities.

Teknaf Land Port General Manager Jasim Uddin Chowdhury confirmed that trade has been suspended since 12 April, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government in addition to the commercial damage to traders.

UNO Sheikh Ehshan Uddin stated, “We have informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the situation. This issue requires a diplomatic resolution, and we are continuing to report all developments regarding the port.”

Port officials and traders await government intervention as the stalemate threatens to deepen the economic impact on both sides of the border.​

 

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Teknaf fishermen in fear as Arakan Army obstructs deep-sea fishing

Myanmar’s rebel armed group, the Arakan Army, has been accused of obstructing Bangladeshi fishermen from operating in the Bay of Bengal - reportedly seizing boats and looting their catch. In response, most fishermen in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have refrained from venturing into deep-sea waters for...

en.prothomalo.com

Teknaf fishermen in fear as Arakan Army obstructs deep-sea fishing

According to them, the Arakan Army arrived in a speedboat and seized the three boats at gunpoint. Each fishing boat had six to eight fishermen on board. Some of the fishermen were also beaten before all were later released along with their boats.

Gias UddinTeknaf
Published: 24 Jun 2025, 09: 09

Fishing trawlers anchored at Kayukkhali Ghat in Teknaf. This photo was taken on 21 June 2025 Prothom Alo

Myanmar’s rebel armed group, the Arakan Army, has been accused of obstructing Bangladeshi fishermen from operating in the Bay of Bengal - reportedly seizing boats and looting their catch. In response, most fishermen in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, have refrained from venturing into deep-sea waters for the past nine days.

Over 400 fishing boats remain idle as fishing activities come to a halt. This information has been confirmed by fishermen, boat owners, and local public representatives.

On 13 June, the Arakan Army allegedly intercepted three fishing boats from Teknaf at gunpoint near Naikhongdia, Myanmar, as the vessels were returning from deep-sea fishing.

According to the fishermen, Arakan Army members looted fish, fuel, and food from the boats before eventually releasing them. Several other trawlers were reportedly chased during the same incident.

Following this, fishermen have been reluctant to fish in the deep sea since 14 June.

However, some small boats have continued operating along the coastal waters near the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf Marine Drive road. The number of such boats is estimated at around 5,000.

Sajid Ahmed, president of the Teknaf Kayukkhalia Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association, said, “The Arakan Army is obstructing entry into Bangladeshi waters for no valid reason. Trawlers are being looted. As a result, more than 400 fishing trawlers in Teknaf are unable to go to sea. We urge the government to take action.”

A visit on Sunday afternoon to Kayukkhalia Ghat and Shahporir Dwip Bazar Paraghat in Teknaf pourashava found rows of fishing boats anchored at the wharves. The usual bustle of fishermen was also missing. A few workers stood guard over the boats, while some fishermen were seen repairing nets.

At Kayukkhalia Ghat, two individuals - Habibur Rahman and Abdul Aziz - said that it is currently hilsa season in the sea, but they are unable to fish due to the Arakan Army’s interference. With the government’s 58-day fishing ban recently lifted, most fishermen in Teknaf are now facing financial hardship because of these disruptions.

Shahid Ullah and Abul Kamal, owners of two fishing boats, said that the sea will likely become rough in the coming days, making fishing riskier.

Despite the current favourable conditions, they are unable to resume fishing due to the Arakan Army’s activities, he insisted.

Abdul Jalil and Syed Alam, who are involved in the fish trade at Kayukkhalia Ghat, said that under normal conditions, 15 to 25 trucks of various fish species are sent daily to Dhaka and Chattogram from the ghat. With fishing suspended, they said, it is no longer possible to send any shipments.

Fishing trawlers anchored at Mistripara Ghat in Teknaf’s Shah Porir Dwip. This photo was taken on 21 June 2025 Prothom Alo

During a visit to the ghats of Bazarpara, Mistripara, Gholapara, and Dakkhinpara in Shah Porir Dwip, Teknaf on Sunday, more than 150 fishing boats were seen anchored. Local fishermen - Khalilur Rahman, Azam Ullah, Rahmat Ali, Bani Alam, and Abdul Hossain - said that to fish in the deep sea, they must cross Naikhongdia in Myanmar.

That is where members of the Arakan Army are reportedly harassing and looting Bangladeshi fishermen the most. Due to their inability to fish, every fisherman’s family is facing a financial crisis and struggling to make ends meet.

Leaders of the Boat Owners Association stated that two of the three boats taken by the Arakan Army on 13 June belonged to Nurul Islam, a resident of Teknaf. The third was owned by Mohammad Shawkat Alam.

According to them, the Arakan Army arrived in a speedboat and seized the three boats at gunpoint. Each fishing boat had six to eight fishermen on board. Some of the fishermen were also beaten before all were later released along with their boats.

There have been earlier incidents of abduction and obstruction involving fishermen. On 12 May, the Arakan Army reportedly abducted three Bangladeshis - Siddiq Hossain, 27, Rabiul Alam, 27, and Mahmud Hossain, 30, from the Naf River near Hnila in Teknaf, along with their boat. They were released two days later.

On 5 March, members of the Myanmar Navy reportedly abducted around 56 fishermen along with six trawlers while they were fishing off the coast of Saint Martin’s Island.

On 20 February, allegations were made that 19 Bangladeshi fishermen, along with four fishing boats, were abducted from the Naf River in Teknaf.

Abdul Mannan, a member of Ward No. 7 of Shah Porir Dwip in Sabrang Union, and Abdus Salam, a member of Ward No. 9, said that the plight of the fishermen would worsen if the government did not take steps to resolve the crisis.

They also noted that a shortage of fish has already hit the local markets as fishing remains suspended.

When contacted, Lt. Col. Ashikur Rahman, Commander of the Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, told Prothom Alo that many such issues have been resolved through communication with the Arakan Army.

With the BGB’s efforts, a total of 189 fishermen have been brought back from Myanmar in several phases since last December, he added.

Does the future of Rakhine lie with the Arakan Army?

In one instance, 27 boats were returned and handed over to their owners. However, he said, no fishermen had reported the latest incident to the BGB, and an investigation would be initiated.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said he learned about the obstruction of Bangladeshi fishermen and the seizure of boats through the boat owners.

He added that members of the Coast Guard remain vigilant in the area to ensure fishermen do not cross the maritime boundary.​