Teknaf, Bangladesh: Bangladeshi fishermen filed a case with the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) against the Nasaka (Burma’s border security) for the abduction of fishermen from the Naff River while they were fishing in Bangladeshi territorial waters, said a fisherman named Satter from the border area.
The Naff River demarcates the two neighboring countries, Burma and Bangladesh, and fishermen of both countries fish in the river to support their family members. The fishermen of Bangladesh are supposed to only fish on the Bangladeshi side, while fishermen of Burma are only allowed to stay on the Burmese side.
“Some of the fishermen of Bangladesh are allowed to fish on the Burma side after paying Taka 300 to 500 to the Nasaka daily because there are plenty of fish on the Burma side. The Nasaka collects money from the fishermen of Bangladesh by sending their agents,” said a local fisherman.
Recently, however, Nasaka officers allegedly abducted several Bangladeshi fishermen who did not pay the Nasaka while fishing in the Naff River because they intended to stay in Bangladeshi territorial waters. It is illegal to abduct fishermen from Bangladesh’s territory while fishing. However, it is legal to arrest those who are fishing on the Burma side without having paid the fee to the concerned Nasaka authority.
“Why did they [Nasaka personnel] abduct fishermen from Bangladesh’s territory and put them into a Burmese jail over the allegation that they were fishing in Burma’s territorial water area?” asked a fisherman from the border area who refused to be named for security reasons.
“The Nasaka tries to force the Bangladeshi fishermen to pay the fee and take the token, but most of the fishermen reject it by not paying money. So, the Nasaka authority is trying to give punishment to the fishermen who do not pay for the tokens by any means.”
This matter was appraised to the concerned authorities, but no action has yet been taken against the Nasaka, said Lalu, a fisherman from the border area.
“The abduction of fishermen affects many fishermen’s ability to support their families. The affected fishermen are from Olobonia, Whaikong, Lamber Bill, Ohnsi Pran, Mina Bazar, Karan Khali, Moulvi Para, Nila Dam Para, Nila fishermen village, Nila Rongi Khali, Leda, Jadi Mora, Teknaf Boroitoli, Netaung Para, Jalia Para, Nazir Para, Sarbrang, and the villages of Shapuri Dip.”
Therefore, the fishermen of the Bangladeshi border belt have earnestly requested the BGB officers to deal with this matter appropriately.
