The Arakan Army (AA) has released 55 Bangladeshi fishermen on April 16, who had been detained between January and March. The fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing activities in Rakhine State’s territorial waters and were handed over to the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) through the Teknaf port. According to BGB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Md Ashiqur Rahman, the border force had been continuously working to secure the release of the detained fishermen through diplomatic channels and negotiations with the AA.
Following the AA’s control over the territories in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and the Naf River areas of Rakhine State, local sources report an increase in illegal fishing activities from Bangladesh. However, in line with previous statements from the AA, the armed group typically releases detained fishermen without punishment as a gesture of maintaining friendly relations between the two territories. This latest release of fishermen is seen as another step toward fostering better relations between the neighboring regions. The AA’s approach to handling such incidents demonstrates their commitment to maintaining regional stability while enforcing maritime boundaries.
