The Arakan Army (AA) formally returned 73 Bangladeshi fishermen, who had been detained for illegal fishing in Arakan (Rakhine) State waters, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on the evening of February 16.
The AA apprehended the fishermen at various points throughout 2024 and 2025 after they entered Arakan waters without authorization. Following thorough legal investigations and procedural checks, the group was released.
Before their handover, the fishermen took a formal oath in line with Islamic traditions, pledging not to cross the border illegally again.
Observers interpret the handover as a constructive step toward stabilizing the often-sensitive Bangladesh-Arakan border.
“The handover of these fishermen by the AA, and their formal acceptance by the neighboring country, shows a positive gesture that could strengthen relations between both sides,” said author Wai Hin Aung.
The transfer comes amid Bangladesh’s political transition following the general election on February 12, 2026, where the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory. Analysts note that maintaining open communication and coordination is critical for effectively managing border affairs.
The successful handover is expected to improve cooperation on border trade and security management between the two sides. Experts suggest that smart management of fishing disputes could transform the Bangladesh-Arakan border into a zone of dialogue and mutual benefit.
“In international relations, problems don’t always have to stay problems, they can become opportunities. This kind of cooperation allows authorities from two sides to work together, and rather than treating economic crises or border issues as purely negative, they can be used to build stronger collaboration,” said Ko Pyae Sone, a student of international relations in Thailand.
In recent months, tighter security controls introduced by both Bangladeshi authorities and the AA to counter insurgent movements have contributed to a sharp decline in border trade in Maungdaw.
Still, many believe that the latest cooperation on the fishermen could pave the way for renewed economic activity along the border, fostering sustained bilateral engagement and mutual understanding.
