Nine Illegal Bangladeshi Poachers Arrested by Arakan Coast Guard in Arakan Territorial Waters

News

Global Arakan Network December 18, 2025

Illegal Fishermen

Nine Bangladeshi nationals who illegally entered Arakan territorial waters to poach fish, along with two fishing trawlers, have been arrested again by the Arakan People's Revolution Government’s Coast Guard Security Force (ACG).

The arrests occurred this morning around 7:00 AM near the shore of Alel Thankyaw in Maungdaw Township, where a trawler carrying 5 fishermen was seized. Around 7:40 AM, another trawler with 4 fishermen was also captured by the Coast Guard Security Force (ACG).

A local resident said, "Bangladeshi fishing trawlers come daily to poach fish in Rakhine waters. They are rarely found in shallow waters. I hear that the ACG arrests them almost every day. In deeper waters, many are seen. This morning, I heard two boats were seized near Alel Thankyaw beach."

The nine Bangladeshi fishermen are currently detained, and the relevant authorities will take legal action against them.

On the afternoon of December 3, the Coast Guard Security Force (ACG) also arrested six illegal fishermen and seized five fishing boats from Bangladesh.

The Arakan People's Revolution Government’s Coast Guard Security Force (ACG) continues to actively pursue and arrest Bangladeshi fishing trawlers illegally entering Rakhine-Bangladesh border waters for poaching.

Additionally, it has been clarified that foreign fishing vessels wishing to operate in Rakhine waters must legally register with the Department of Foreign Fishing Vessel Management and pay taxes to conduct fishing activities.

It is reported that between January and July 18, 2025, Arakan authorities released approximately 188 Bangladeshi fishermen and 30 boats in the spirit of maintaining good bilateral relations. However, due to the lack of appropriate respect and reciprocal constructive response from Bangladeshi authorities, subsequent intruders have been detained and are being prosecuted under the law.