The trawlers belong to St Martin’s residents Md Elias and Nur Mohammad. Confirming the incident, owner Nur Mohammad said six fishermen led by boatmaster Kabir Majhi went fishing on Wednesday. When the trawler’s engine broke down near Cheradia, Arakan Army members approached the vessel early Thursday and took the fishermen away. The incident has left the fishing community deeply anxious.

Myanmar-based Global Arakan Network reported that the Arakan Army’s coastal security unit has intensified maritime patrols since 28 October. It noted that between January and 18 July this year, the group detained around 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and 30 boats before eventually releasing them. Thursday’s detention of two trawlers and 12 fishermen from Bangladesh was also mentioned in their report.

Azim Uddin, president of the St Martin Fishing Trawler Cooperative Association, said two trawlers from his dock were seized along with 12 fishermen. He added that the Arakan Army had earlier detained more than 150 Bangladeshi fishermen, many of whom remain in their custody, leaving families in distress.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said the administration is looking into the matter and has already alerted law enforcement agencies.

According to BGB sources, the Arakan Army abducted at least 350 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River and adjacent border waters over the past ten months.About 200 were returned in phases with BGB’s assistance, but around 150 fishermen are still being held. The situation has created fear among fishermen, many of whom are now reluctant to venture into the sea.