An Open Lie on The Diplomat Outlet: How Illegal Fishing Is Portrayed As “Hostage”

Article Analysis

Global Arakan Network December 20, 2025

The article, published on December 6, 2025, in The Diplomat by Md. Himel Rahman, frames the detention of illegal Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army (AA) as a major "hostage crisis" ignored by the world. According to him,

• On November 27, 2025, the AA captured two trawlers and detained 12 fishermen east of Saint Martin’s Island (Chheradia area).

• Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) reports over 350 Bangladeshi fishermen detained in the past 10 months and only 200 released (via ransom or talks), leaving 150–182 still held, including 30 from Saint Martin’s Island.

• Claims more hostages than famous crises (e.g., Entebbe: 106; Iran: 52; Japan Embassy: 72), yet little international/Bangladeshi media coverage.

• Legal view: AA lacks statehood (no defined territory, unrecognized), so no right under UNCLOS to enforce maritime boundaries. Calls detentions "hostage-taking" prohibited under Geneva Conventions, a war crime under Rome Statute.

• Political view: Bangladesh neutral in Myanmar war but suffers spillover (Rohingya influx, shelling, taxation, recruitment). AA sees Bangladesh "weakness" as invitation for violations. Long-term, AA needs good ties with Bangladesh as its "window to the world."

• Humanitarian view: Victims are poor fishermen; families suffer from ransoms, trauma. AA acts like "criminal outfit," counterproductive.

How the Article Misrepresents the Reality

This article uses strong words like "hostage-taking" and "war crime" to paint a one-sided picture.

First, the detentions are not random abductions but arrests for illegal fishing in waters the AA now patrols. Since gaining control of most Rakhine coastal areas (including Maungdaw in late 2024), the Arakkha Authority popularly supported by the majority population has stepped up sea patrols. Local independent media outlets like Narinjara, and Western News reported these as lawful stops of boats crossing into Rakhine territorial waters  with strong evidence of poaching. Bangladeshi fishermen admit entering these areas due to better catches or unclear lines, but the AA views it as violation and security risk (possible cover for militants).

Second, numbers vary, but releases are common and show restraint. Reports confirm hundreds detained in 2025 (230–350+), but many freed on humanitarian grounds – e.g., 188 fishermen and 30 boats by July 2025, batches in March, February, and later. Fishermen often sign pledges not to return illegally. Ransom claims appear in Bangladeshi media, but for the Arakkha authorities, they call it fines, a legal tool for law enforcement. This pattern points to enforcement, not profit-driven kidnapping.

Third, the legal argument overlooks reality on the ground. The 2012 ITLOS ruling settled Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundaries (favoring Bangladesh in gray areas). But Rakhine waters fall under Myanmar sovereignty, and the AA now exercises de facto control as the legitimate governing authority in more than 90% of the state. While not internationally declared as a state, Arakkha government led by the AA can enforce basic laws, especially resource protection for their own population.

Fourth, political and humanitarian claims ignore mutual issues and concerns. Even if the fishermen hardships are real (poverty drives risk-taking), but illegal fishing harms local Rakhine stocks amid war/blockades partially by Bangladesh. More importantly, Arakan-related sources mentioned that Dhaka authorities did not actively respond to the constructive offer by Arakan to share resources under legal contract and fishing.

In short, this is a border enforcement effort worsened by unclear lines, poverty, and conflict spillover – not a deliberate "hostage crisis." Direct talks between BGB and Arakan authorities have led to releases, showing diplomacy works. Sensational framing risks escalating tensions instead of solving the root problem: better border coordination and clear and legal fishing rules. Real cooperation, not accusations, will free detainees and prevent future incidents.