The Arakan Army Released 22 Illegal Bangladeshi Fishermen

News

Global Arakan Network                                                                                                July 17, 2025

Illegal Fishermen From Bangladesh (photocredittoarakanarmy)

The Arakan Army (AA), the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA), detained and subsequently released 22 illegal Bangladeshi fishermen aboard three boats. The fishermen initially attempted to flee upon noticing the AA sea patrol team but were unsuccessful.

The incident occurred on July 16, 2025, approximately 500 meters off the Arakan ‘Mraing-Hlut’ coast, within Arakan’s territorial waters. The AA conducted a thorough investigation of the fishermen and issued a warning against future unauthorized entries into Arakan waters. Reports indicate that extremist militant groups, such as the RSO and ARSA, often disguise themselves as fishermen to carry out unlawful and dangerous activities targeting innocent civilians.

Map showing illegal fishing areas (photocredit)

In recent months, illegal fishing by Bangladeshi fishermen has occurred repeatedly. In each instance, the AA security forces have appropriately handed the fishermen over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

AA officials returning illegal fishermen (photoaainfodesk)

However, several Bangladeshi and Bengali media outlets, including Prothom Alo, Dhaka Tribune, Bay of Bengal Post, and Rohingya Khobor, have allegedly misrepresented these incidents, claiming that the AA ‘abducted’ the fishermen from within Bangladeshi territorial waters.

This time, the ULA aims to demonstrate its political will to foster better relations with the Dhaka authorities and the people of Bangladesh. The Arakan law enforcement officers informed the fishermen that they must first report to the Bangladeshi authorities to obtain official fishing permits from the Arakan government.

Sources: AA-related officials