Fishing activities in the deep waters off the coast of Teknaf, Bangladesh, have come to a halt for over a week as local fishermen fear attacks and looting by the Myanmar-based insurgent group, the Arakan Army. Since June 14, most of the approximately 400 fishing vessels in the area have remained docked, leaving hundreds of families in financial distress during the peak hilsa fishing season.
Fishermen and local union leaders report that on June 13, three Bangladeshi fishing boats returning from the deep sea were intercepted near the Myanmar border by armed members of the Arakan Army. The attackers allegedly looted the boats, seizing fish, fuel, and food before eventually releasing the vessels and crews. Several other boats were also reportedly chased that same day.
As a result, many fishermen have refused to venture into deeper waters, although smaller boats continue fishing closer to shore along the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Marine Drive. These operations, however, offer only limited economic relief.
Sazed Ahmed, President of the Kayukkhaliya Fishing Trawler Owners’ Association, confirmed that “over 400 fishing trawlers are now unable to go to sea due to continuous harassment and looting by the Arakan Army.” He urged the government to intervene and ensure the safety of Bangladeshi fishermen operating within their territorial waters.
A field visit to Kayukkhaliya Ghat and Shah Porir Dwip revealed rows of idle boats tied to the docks, a rare sight during the hilsa season. Only a few laborers were seen guarding the vessels, while some fishermen were mending nets. Fishermen Habibur Rahman and Abdul Aziz stated that their families are struggling to survive, as the 58-day government fishing ban had just ended when these new threats emerged.
Boat owners Shahid Ullah and Abul Kamal added that despite favorable sea conditions for fishing, the looming danger has kept them ashore. The market impact is already visible—fish traders like Abdul Jalil and Syed Alam said that daily fish shipments to Dhaka and Chattogram have completely stopped.
In areas like Shah Porir Dwip’s Gholapara and Mistripara, over 150 boats remain anchored, with many locals sharing similar stories of fear and financial hardship. Fishermen explained that their deep-sea routes near Myanmar’s Maungdaw region are increasingly becoming flashpoints for Arakan Army aggression.
The attacks aren’t isolated. On May 12, three Bangladeshis were reportedly abducted from the Naf River by the Arakan Army and released two days later. Earlier incidents in March and February saw dozens of fishermen captured by Myanmar’s navy, underscoring a persistent security challenge along the maritime border.
Lt. Col. Ashiqur Rahman, commanding officer of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, stated that while past incidents had been resolved through communication with Myanmar authorities, the latest complaints had not been formally reported to the BGB. He assured that inquiries would be made.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed the reports of fishing disruptions and said the Bangladesh Coast Guard remained vigilant. He emphasized that fishermen must avoid crossing maritime boundaries to prevent further incidents.
Local elected representatives, including ward members Abdul Mannan and Abdus Salam, warned that without prompt government intervention, the crisis could escalate, deepening both the humanitarian and market impact.
As tensions continue to simmer, the fate of Teknaf’s fishing community remains uncertain, with livelihoods hanging in the balance and regional security concerns growing.