Five Bangladeshi fishermen captured with a trawler from the Naf River

Feb 18, 2026
Bangladesh

Photo: Naf River (Collected)

PNN News Desk, Cox’s Bazar:

Five Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly captured along with their trawler from the Naf River near Shahporir Island in Teknaf Upazila by Myanmar’s armed group, the Arakan Army. The incident occurred late Tuesday night, according to local sources.

The arrested fishermen are Shah Alam (20), Abul Hossain, Md. Abbas (40), Abdul Shahed (18), and Md. Yunus (40), all residents of Jaliapara, Shahporir Island, Teknaf.

The trawler owner, Mohammad Ullah, stated that after fishing near Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal, his trawler was returning with the five fishermen when they anchored near Naikkhongdia area of Shahporir Island. Suddenly, armed personnel on a speedboat captured the trawler along with the fishermen, he claimed.

Since then, the families of the fishermen have been extremely anxious, urging immediate intervention for their release.

When contacted, a Coast Guard officer, Lieutenant Commander Rifat, stated that he had no immediate information but that the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken. Previous incidents of fishermen being captured have also occurred in this border region, increasing local concerns.