ACG Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Bangladeshi Fishing Boats in Arakan Waters
The Arakan Coastal Guards (ACG) under the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG) have continued a series of arrests targeting Bangladeshi fishing boats that illegally enter Arakan’s maritime territory, according to military sources along the Rakhine–Bangladesh sea border.
Bangladeshi fishing vessels have reportedly been repeatedly intruding into Arakan waters to conduct illegal fishing operations. On November 18, ACG patrol units conducting regular maritime security checks intercepted one Bangladeshi fishing boat carrying six fishermen approximately 1.5 km west of In Din village in Maungdaw Township.
On the same day, another Bangladeshi boat with around seven fishermen was captured 1.7 km west of Kotankauk village in Rathedaung Township. The crew attempted to flee toward open waters upon spotting ACG patrol teams but were pursued and apprehended, a military source told AB News.
“Our government is arresting these foreign fishing boats because they repeatedly violate Arakan’s maritime territory. They don’t just steal fish — some even use knives to cut and destroy local fishermen’s nets. Unless strict punishment is imposed, they will continue to trespass and exploit our waters. On November 18, when they saw ACG forces approaching, they tried to escape into the sea and we had to chase and catch them again,” the source said.
According to reports, a total of 13 Bangladeshi fishermen from the two boats have been detained and are now being questioned and processed by relevant APRG authorities in accordance with the law.
A pattern of repeated intrusions has been observed over recent weeks. On November 12, six Bangladeshi fishermen were arrested at 7:30 a.m., followed by another six at 8:46 a.m. Earlier incidents include a seizure of six fishermen on November 5 and the arrest of seven fishermen on October 29. Authorities say these recurring cases reflect a systematic pattern of illegal entry into Arakan’s maritime zone.
Under APRG maritime regulations, foreign fishing vessels are permitted to operate inside Arakan waters only if they obtain official registration and pay necessary taxes through the Foreign Fishing Vessel Management Department. Any vessel entering without proper authorization is subject to immediate arrest, seizure, and legal action.
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