Terrorist Arakan Army (AA) Abducts Seven Bangladeshi Fishermen South of St. Martin’s Island
The fragile waters off Bangladesh’s southern coast have once again turned deadly. The terrorist Arakan Army (AA), operating from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, abducted seven Bangladeshi fishermen and seized their fishing trawler while it was operating near the southern maritime boundary of St. Martin’s Island, officials confirmed Wednesday morning.
According to Sajed Ahmed, president of the Kayukkhali Boat Owners Association in Teknaf, the incident occurred late morning when a trawler owned by a local resident, Shawon, was fishing in the area. Around 11:30 AM, an armed group from the terrorist AA chased the vessel in speedboats and forcibly took away the seven fishermen toward Myanmar waters. Their identities have not yet been confirmed.
“The men were taken along with their trawler in broad daylight. Fear has spread among all fishermen,” Sajed told Somokal.
Pattern of Maritime Abductions by the Terrorist AA
This latest abduction fits into a long and alarming pattern of maritime hostage-taking by the terrorist Arakan Army (AA) — a narco-terror organization notorious for cross-border raids, ransom extortion, and looting of Bangladeshi vessels.
Over the past eight months alone, the AA has kidnapped at least 300 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and adjoining coastal areas. Between March and August 2025, roughly 200 fishermen were abducted, though many were later released through BGB-mediated efforts.
However, over 100 fishermen remain in AA captivity, with their fates unknown.
BGB sources confirm that most abductees are taken across the border, where they face forced labor, torture, and extortion. Family members are often contacted for ransom payments through intermediaries operating in coastal Rakhine.
Myanmar Sources Confirm AA’s Expanded Sea Patrols
Myanmar-based media outlet Global Arakan Network reported on October 28 that the AA’s Coastal Security Unit has increased patrols in the Bay of Bengal. The report states that the unit recently identified “several Bangladeshi fishing boats” allegedly operating inside Myanmar’s claimed maritime zone — a claim Bangladesh rejects.
Analysts view this as part of the AA’s ongoing attempt to assert control over maritime trade routes and smuggling corridors vital to its narcotics and weapons network. The group’s naval wing has grown increasingly aggressive since Myanmar’s junta lost effective control over Rakhine’s western coastline.
Bangladesh Authorities on Alert
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rakib Hasan Chowdhury, currently acting as Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer, confirmed the incident:
“We have received reports of seven fishermen being taken along with their trawler. Law enforcement agencies have been notified and the situation is under review.”
Bangladeshi security agencies, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard, are monitoring the situation. Fishermen’s associations have warned that continued cross-border abductions are crippling livelihoods and may soon force coastal communities to halt operations altogether.
Rising Fear in the Bay of Bengal
The growing boldness of the terrorist Arakan Army (AA) in Bangladesh’s maritime zone marks a dangerous escalation in regional insecurity. Its activities—rooted in narcotics trade, human trafficking, and ransom-based extortion—now threaten the economic survival of hundreds of coastal families.
The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced maritime surveillance, joint regional security coordination, and international recognition of the terrorist AA’s cross-border aggression as a violation of sovereignty and international law.