Arakan Authorities Arrested Five Illegal Bangladeshi Fishermen

Breaking News

Global Arakan Network                                                                                      August 12, 2025

Illegal Fishermen (photocrd)

On August 12, 2025, the Arakan Army, the armed wing of the Arakan government, detained five Bangladeshi fishermen for illegally fishing in Arakan waters near Nga-Khaung-Taw stream. Repeated violations by Bangladeshi fishermen appear deliberate, with minimal action taken by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to address the issue.

The ongoing theft of Arakanese resources has persisted for years, placing the local fishing community in Arakan on high alert. The failure of Dhaka authorities to cooperate in resolving this matter has led to escalating tensions along the Naff River, threatening border security and stability.

Arakan Transferring Fishermen into BGB (photocrd)

According to reports from official sources, since January 2025, Arakan authorities have arrested and subsequently released at least 188 illegal Bangladeshi fishermen, along with 30 fishing boats. Among those detained, at least 31 Bangladeshi citizens were found holding UNHCR cards, indicating that many are posing as refugees to access basic cash assistance and support in refugee camps.

The Arakan authority has urged the BGB to cooperate and maintain law and order along the border.