The Arakan Army (AA) has announced that it will investigate and take action against those engaging in illegal fishing activities within its controlled waters.

On November 20, the Arakan Army reported that it had handed over 20 Bangladeshi fishermen, who had trespassed into Arakan-controlled waters for illegal fishing, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

The statement also warned that further action will be taken against those who trespass into Arakan-controlled waters for illegal fishing.

On November 5, the Arakan Army’s Coastal Security Unit intercepted around 60 Bangladeshi fishing boats. Among them, 15 boats (2 motorized and 13 non-motorized) were seized along with 20 Bangladeshi fishermen, according to the statement.

The 20 fishermen were detained and interrogated for two days before being handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on November 7, according to the statement.
However, out of the 15 seized fishing boats (2 motorized and 13 non-motorized), only 7 were handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on November 20. The remaining 8 boats will be returned once sufficient security guarantees are in place, according to the statement.

The Arakan Army (AA) had previously handed over 16 Bangladeshi fishermen to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on October 14. Similarly, 5 Bangladeshi fishermen were handed over to the BGP on October 9.

The Arakan Army (AA) stated that the Bangladeshi fishermen were impoverished individuals who relied on fishing as a means to support their families amidst financial hardships. As a result, the AA showed leniency and compassion towards them, considering their difficult circumstances.

Additionally, the Arakan Army (AA) stated that the fishermen were released without punishment, and their boats were returned as part of efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation between the Bangladeshi government and the Arakan Army (AA) on border-related matters.

Photo – AA