In a disturbing escalation along the Bay of Bengal, thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted by the armed group Arakan Army while fishing near the waters off Saint Martin’s Island. The incidents occurred on Tuesday, 23 December, during two separate operations carried out in the morning and early afternoon, local sources reported.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of six of the captives, all residents of Saint Martin’s Island and nearby coastal areas. The remaining seven fishermen’s identities are yet to be established. The confirmed individuals are: Nur Mohammad (60), Hamid Hossain (45), Md. Hampuro (15), Jasim Uddin (18), Harun Mia (40), and Md. Habibullah (60) from Shamolapur, Teknaf.
According to local fisherman and resident, Kalim Uddin, the first abduction occurred on Tuesday morning in the southwest waters of Saint Martin’s, close to Myanmar’s Mungdhu area. “Six of our colleagues were taken at gunpoint from an engine-powered boat while they were fishing,” he said. “The Arakan Army also seized the boat, the catch, and fishing nets.”
In a separate incident at around 12:00 noon, a second engine-powered boat was intercepted in the same vicinity, leading to the abduction of seven additional fishermen. The recurring attacks have left local fishermen in a state of heightened fear and insecurity, with many expressing concern over venturing into the same waters in the coming days.
Residents have reported both incidents to relevant authorities, seeking immediate intervention, though official statements from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) or the Coast Guard are yet to be issued. The repeated abductions underscore the vulnerability of Bangladeshi fishermen in the contested maritime zones near Myanmar, raising urgent calls for enhanced maritime security and coordinated monitoring.
Local communities have stressed the economic impact of these incidents, as fishing constitutes a primary source of livelihood for coastal populations. Experts warn that continued abductions could disrupt livelihoods, inflame local tensions, and potentially strain cross-border relations.
Confirmed Abducted Fishermen:
| No. | Name | Age | Residence | Abduction Time |
| 1 | Nur Mohammad | 60 | Saint Martin’s | Morning |
| 2 | Hamid Hossain | 45 | Saint Martin’s | Morning |
| 3 | Md. Hampuro | 15 | Saint Martin’s | Morning |
| 4 | Jasim Uddin | 18 | Saint Martin’s | Morning |
| 5 | Harun Mia | 40 | Saint Martin’s | Morning |
| 6 | Md. Habibullah | 60 | Shamolapur, Teknaf | Morning |
| 7-13 | Unknown | – | – | Afternoon |
As of now, families and local authorities remain anxious, hoping for swift action to secure the release of the abducted fishermen. Calls are being made for stronger patrolling and rapid response measures to ensure the safety of all who fish in these vulnerable maritime zones.