Teknaf, Bangladesh: Two refugees from the unofficial refugee camp of Leda (Tal) of Teknaf were picked up by the Nasaka (Burma’s border security force) of Rangadaung camp of Maungdaw Township on June 26, while they were fishing in the Naff River in a rowboat, said a close relative of the victims.
Md. Zabber (35), son of Mosiud Dullah, Block E/13, and Md. Eliyas (33), son of Hafez Sharif, Block D/336 of Leda camp went to the Naff River to catch fish with a push-fishnet and a rowboat in Burma’s territorial waters.
They were fishing by the Laldia Island of Naff River, which is Burmese territory, close to Teknaf land-port. They had permission from the Nasaka for fishing in the area after paying Taka 600 per month for each rowboat.
When the two refugees were fishing, a Nasaka patrol boat approached them but they did not try to flee as they had documents given by Nasaka for fishing in the area.
However, ignoring the agreement and disregarding the document, the two refugees were abducted by the Nasaka and taken to Rangadaung Nasaka camp of Maungdaw Township and detained. After interrogation they were sent to Nagakura Nasaka camp where they are still detained.
A fisherman who declined to be named said, “The Nasaka breaks its promise, as they have no moral binding. The fishermen have committed no crime.”
The parents of the victims contacted Nasaka on the mobile to release them as they had permission from Nasaka. They were arrested unlawfully. The Nasaka replied that they will not be released and they will be shot in the future, said family members of the victims.
The victims’ family members are worried about their release. The family members are facing food crisis as the arrested are the only bread earners. There are nearly 18,000 refugees in Leda (Tal) camp without any support from any quarter except the shelter. Therefore, the refugees depend on work outside the camp. But, the refugees are facing many difficulties when they want to go out of the camp for work, said a refugee leader of the camp.
There are many Bangladeshi fishermen fishing in Burma’s territorial waters by paying monthly toll to the Nasaka. They have to pay Taka 500 to 600 per fishing rowboat per month, said a fisherman from the border area.
The arrested Md. Zabber, hails from Kyinute Thi village of Buthidaung Township and Md. Eliyas, belongs to Hasari Bill village of Maungdaw Township.
