Teknaf: The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) today afternoon successfully facilitated the return of 26 Bangladeshi fishermen who were previously held by Myanmar's Arakan Army. The fishermen were taken to Teknaf Jetty following their release, according to Commander of BGB Teknaf Battalion, Lt. Col. Md. Ashikur Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fishermen had embarked on fishing expeditions from Teknaf's KK Canal and Shahparirdwip Trawler Ghat at various times, inadvertently crossing the zero line of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border into Myanmar's territory. This unintentional crossing led to their detention by the Arakan Army.
Upon learning of the situation, the families of the detained fishermen sought assistance from the BGB. The Teknaf Battalion of BGB promptly established communication with the Arakan Army to negotiate the return of the fishermen. After extended mediation efforts, the fishermen were successfully brought back from the Arakan Army this afternoon, as confirmed by Lt. Col. Md. Ashikur Rahman.
The Arakan Army also returned a fishing boat that had been seized during the incident. Currently, formal procedures are being conducted to hand over the fishermen to their respective families.
Lt. Col. Md. Ashikur Rahman emphasized the BGB's commitment to ensuring the safety of the lives and property of citizens while maintaining security along the borders.