Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — Arakan Army (AA) handed over 73 Bangladesh fishermen, who entered the Rakhine water for poaching, to the concerned authority on 16 February 2026.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) brought back the  Bangladeshi fishermen, who were detained at various occasions from Rakhine coast and Naf river areas in Maungdaw Township, said a source in the AA.

Following a series of communication and negotiations with Myanmar's armed organization (AA), they were brought back to the country at around 4:30 pm on Monday.

BGB Ramu sector commander Col Mohiuddin Ahmed said that a BGB delegation left Teknaf's Jaliapara transit Ghat to the zero line of Naf river and later received the fishermen from AA representatives at a designated point in the river.

They were later allowed to go to their relatives in the presence of public representatives and administration officials.

The families expressed relief and joy at their release ahead of the important holy month of Ramadan. They were released after a long negotiation process  between the Bangladeshi authorities and AA officials.

Meanwhile, the AA claimed that they were detained for entering Myanmar territories  by crossing the water boundary. Many others still remain on the Myanmar side even though the BGB continues negotiations to bring them back.

Bangladeshi authorities confirmed that their release was a result of effective communication and followed up coordination between the two sides. Now they are pursuing  diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to ensure the safe and speedy return of the rest of detainees.