The Arakan Army (AA) on August 19 handed over 24 Bangladeshi fishermen to Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds after they had been detained for illegally entering Arakan territorial waters without permission to fish in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State.
The fishermen had been detained for illegally entering Arakan territorial waters to fish in 2024 and 2025. They were formally handed over to officials from both sides in the Naf River, near the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone in Maungdaw Township.
During the handover, officials from the Arakan Army and Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) met and held discussions, coordinating arrangements to ensure the fishermen were transferred safely and securely.
More than 60 Arakan Army security personnel escorted the fishermen to the designated handover point on the Naf River and safely transferred them to BGB officials, according to reports.
One of the fishermen who was released expressed gratitude to the Arakan Army for releasing them on humanitarian grounds and said they would not enter Arakan territorial waters to fish without permission in the future.
The Arakan Army has repeatedly warned Bangladeshi fishermen not to enter Arakan territorial waters without authorization. However, some fishermen from Bangladesh have continued to enter the waters to fish, resulting in continued arrests and legal action, according to reports.
Those caught fishing illegally are detained and dealt with in accordance with relevant rules and regulations. At the same time, the Arakan Army has also been carrying out humanitarian handovers after taking into consideration the circumstances of those detained.
Previously, on February 16, 2026, the Arakan Army handed over 73 Bangladeshi fishermen to Bangladesh who had been arrested and detained for illegally entering Arakan territorial waters without permission to fish.
A political analyst said that the humanitarian release of fishermen could not only be viewed as a humanitarian gesture but could also contribute to building trust and improving relations between the two sides.
Observers also said that the direct meeting and discussions between Arakan Army and BGB officials on the Naf River during the latest handover could become an important communication channel for continued coordination and resolution of issues related to fishermen and territorial waters.
The Arakan Army continues to monitor, arrest and take action against illegal fishing activities in Arakan territorial waters. At the same time, its humanitarian handovers could be viewed as an effort to reduce tensions in the border area and create opportunities for improved relations between the two sides.
Source: Arakan Bay News
