Bangladeshi fishermen pose growing threat as coastal guard units come under attack

By Admin 09 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

9 October 2025, Maungdaw

Bangladeshi fishermen have reportedly begun attacking coastal guard personnel with weapons, raising new security concerns for fishing communities operating in Arakan’s territorial waters.

Some Bangladeshi fishermen are reportedly crossing illegally into Arakan waters to fish, prompting calls for the Arakan Army (AA) to strengthen maritime security patrols, according to an observer monitoring developments in Arakan.

“Some of these fishermen carry weapons while fishing — they can be called armed assailants. When approached for inspection, they reportedly resist with weapons. The AA’s coastal security forces need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of Arakan fishermen,” the observer said.

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, three members of Bangladesh’s Coast Guard and one Fisheries Department official were injured when armed fishermen attacked them during a crackdown on illegal fishing with pipe guns in the Meghna River in Bhola District on 7 October.

The report said the fishermen opened fire on Coast Guard and Fisheries Department personnel attempting to arrest them for illegal fishing with improvised firearms.

At the same time, many Bangladeshi fishermen are also reported to be crossing illegally into Arakan’s maritime zone, where they have attacked members of the AA’s coastal guard units.

On 10 September, two AA personnel — one officer and one soldier — were killed when Bangladeshi fishermen fishing illegally inside Arakan waters resisted arrest and launched an attack.

“We no longer dare to go far out to sea like before. The Bangladeshi boats come in large groups, often carrying weapons. It’s frightening. We hope the AA will step up control over these groups,” said a fisherman from Maungdaw.

Arakan State has a long coastline, and marine fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood for local communities. But with ongoing security risks from both the Myanmar military at sea and cross-border intrusions by Bangladeshi fishermen, local fishermen now face mounting challenges to sustain their livelihoods.