Teknaf, Bangladesh — Fourteen fishermen detained by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Bay of Bengal have been returned to Bangladesh following negotiations led by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), officials said on Saturday.
The group included 13 Bangladeshi nationals and one Rohingya refugee officially identified as a Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National. They were handed over to BGB personnel at the zero line along the Naf River before being brought to the Teknaf jetty.
According to BGB officials, the fishermen were arrested at different times between 2025 and 2026 after their fishing boats reportedly crossed into Myanmar territorial waters by mistake. Following their detention, they were held at various locations inside Myanmar.
Officials from the BGB’s Cox’s Bazar Region later opened communication with the Arakan Army on humanitarian grounds in an effort to secure their release. After a series of discussions, arrangements were made for their return.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, commander of Teknaf Battalion 2 BGB, said the force remains committed to protecting lives and maintaining border security. He said the release of the fishermen was made possible through continued efforts and coordination by the BGB.
Authorities said the returned fishermen are now undergoing identity verification by local administration and law enforcement agencies before being reunited with their families.
Officials also stated that discussions are continuing regarding others who are still believed to be in detention, with efforts underway to ensure their safe return.
