Arakan Army Hands Over Bangladeshi Nationals To Bangladesh

 Press Release on the Rescue and Transfer of 16 Bangladeshi Nationals Abandoned at Sea After a Pirate Attack in the Bay of Bengal into the Hands of Border Guard Bangladesh

October 14, 2024

Regarding the above press release, the incident occurred as follows:
1.  Fourteen fishermen from Parhartuli Islampur (a.k.a. Shaharnoronorgor), Cox’s Bazar City, Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh.
2.  One fisherman from Sapinpinsori Village, Teknaf City, Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh.
3.  One fisherman from Fecharika Village, Cox’s Bazar City, Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh.

A total of 16 fishermen aboard a motorboat left to fish in the Bay of Bengal on September 28, 2024, at around 9 a.m. Their fishing expedition, led by Hamaar Ulaas, was to last approximately two weeks. However, after about one week, on October 4, 2024, around 6 p.m., their boat was attacked by a group of about 60 armed Bengali pirates. The pirates captured the fishermen and seized their motorboat. The pirate group, equipped with three motorboats, robbed the fishermen’s vessel.

The unidentified armed pirates threatened the fishermen with firearms. The fishermen were beaten with guns and batons, and all their money, phones, fuel, food supplies, rice, oil, salt, and fishing equipment were taken. The pirates detained Hamaar Ulaas and the fishermen for two days inside the boat's hold without food or water.

On October 7, 2024, around 4 a.m., the pirates planned to abandon them near Kyaukpandu Beach, Maungdaw, Arakan. However, the Arakan Coast Guard spotted the boat at around 6:30 a.m. on the same day. The coast guard successfully rescued Hamaar Ulaas and the 16 fishermen. The injured individuals, who had suffered beatings from the pirates, received medical treatment and were cared for.

Subsequently, the authorities contacted the relevant Bangladeshi officials, and on October 14, 2024, at 6:15 p.m., the 16 rescued individuals were safely handed over to the Bangladesh Border Guard and the police at Shaporir Port, Bangladesh.

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