Border News Agency
Maungdaw, November 21 – The Arakan Army has announced that it will take action against fishermen who illegally enter Arakan territory to engage in poaching activities. According to a statement released by the Arakan Army on November 20, 20 Bangladeshi fishermen, who had crossed into the Arakan territory to engage in illegal fishing, were handed over to the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB).
The statement also warned that any future trespassing fishermen would face legal consequences. On November 5, the Arakan Army and the coastal security forces had apprehended approximately 60 fishing boats and 20 Bangladeshi fishermen. These fishermen were caught with 15 fishing boats (2 with motors, and 13 without motors), which were seized in the operation.
The 20 fishermen were detained and interrogated for two days, and on November 7, they were handed over to the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB). However, out of the 15 boats, only 7 boats were returned to the BGB on November 20, while the remaining 8 boats will be transferred when security conditions allow.
Previously, on October 14, 16 Bangladeshi fishermen were also handed over to the BGB, while 5 fishermen were returned on October 9. These fishermen are described as impoverished individuals who engage in fishing as a means of survival to support their families under difficult circumstances.
The Arakan Army stated that it took into account the dire financial conditions of the fishermen's families and showed compassion by allowing their release without punishment. The army also emphasized that this action was part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between the governments of Bangladesh and the Arakan Army in managing cross-border issues.
In addition to releasing the fishermen, the seized fishing boats were also returned to their owners as part of this cooperative gesture.
Photo: AA