The Arakan Army (AA) has handed over 29 Bangladeshi nationals who were caught illegally fishing in Myanmar’s territorial waters in the Naf River near Maungdaw, Rakhine State. The fishermen were arrested in two separate incidents on February 11 and February 20 when they were found fishing illegally in Myanmar’s waters. The handover took place on February 27 through the Shah Porir Dwip jetty in Teknaf to the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).
According to Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, the detained fishermen were brought back via the Naf River, and after necessary health checks and administrative procedures, they were reunited with their families. The successful return of these fishermen was made possible through diplomatic negotiations between the BGB and the AA forces. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing territorial waters between Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly in the Naf River area which serves as a natural boundary between the two countries.
The Naf River, which forms part of the border between Myanmar and Bangladesh near Maungdaw region, has been a frequent site of illegal fishing activities by local Bangladeshi fishermen who often cross into Myanmar’s territorial waters. To prevent such unauthorized fishing activities, the AA’s coastal guard units conduct regular patrols in these waters. The recent incident and subsequent return of the fishermen demonstrate the complex nature of managing maritime boundaries and fishing rights in the region, as well as the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving such incidents. The successful coordination between the BGB and AA in facilitating the return of these fishermen also shows the potential for constructive engagement between the two sides in handling border-related issues.
