16 fishermen missing for 13 days at sea

Sixteen Bangladeshi fishermen have been missing for 13 days after going to the deep sea for fishing with families fearing they may have been detained by the Myanmar Coast Guard.

The missing fishermen include Md. Jewel, Farhad Hossain, Md. Nirab, Md. Rakib Hossain, Saddam Hossain, Md. Mezbah Uddin, Md. Tahmid, Md. Tamjid, Md. Liton and Md. Aji Ullah from Lakhsmipur; Md. Shahjahan, Md. Sohag and Jaber Hossain from Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali; Md. Kamal Hossain from Pahartali in Chattogram; Tarek Rahman from Maheshkhali and Md. Saimun from Daulatkhan in Bhola.

According to sources, the 16 fishermen, nine from Char Poragacha union of Ramgati upazila in Lakshmipur, three from Noakhali, three from Chattogram and one from Bhola-set out on March 22 aboard a trawler named “Ma-Babar Doa” via the Meghna River for the Bay of Bengal.

Six days later, on March 28, they last contacted their families by mobile phone, informing them that they had been detained by the Myanmar Coast Guard.

Since then, their mobile phones have remained switched off, and no further communication has been possible.

Family members claimed that the missing fishermen are being held in the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary near Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar and are enduring severe food shortages and inhumane conditions.

A visit to the fishing community in Char Poragacha revealed scenes of grief, as elderly parents, wives and children anxiously are waiting by the riverbank for their return.

Many families, dependent on the fishermen’s income, are now facing extreme hardship, with some unable to cook meals. Their concern over the safety of their loved ones has overshadowed even their struggle for food.

Zakir Hossain, brother of missing fisherman Md. Aji Ullah, told BSS that his brother went fishing on March 22 and last spoke to the family on March 28. During their last contact, Aji Ullah said they had been detained by the Myanmar Coast Guard.

“Our entire family depended on his income. Since his disappearance, everything has come to a standstill,” Zakir said.

Trawler owner Mizanur Rahman said they are making all possible efforts to rescue the missing fishermen and have already informed the Cox’s Bazar district administration and other relevant authorities.

He called for high-level government intervention to bring them back.

Lakhsmipur Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Samrat Khisa said the administration is making best efforts to bring the missing fishermen back.

“Necessary instructions have been given to the concerned authorities to take steps to rescue the missing fishermen. The issue is also being communicated to the relevant government departments.”