Indefinite ban on all vessel in Naf River, Teknaf-Saint Martin waterway

The Teknaf Upazila Administration today (11 December) imposed an indefinite ban on all vessel operations in the Bangladesh section of the Naf River, in addition to the Teknaf-Saint Martin waterway.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin confirmed the ban, citing the volatile situation in Myanmar. "Due to heightened risks along the border, announcements have been made in border areas instructing all vessel operators, including fishermen, to avoid using the Naf River until further notice," he said.

This decision follows Myanmar's declaration of a similar ban in the Myanmar-controlled portion of the Naf River after the Arakan Army took full control of Maungdaw in Rakhine State on 4 December.

However, vessels on Cox's Bazar-Saint Martin route remain operational.

Rashid Ahmed, president of the Saint Martin Service Trawler Owners Association, said the UNO office issued the ban today morning, following an initial notification by the Coast Guard on Tuesday night. "As of Wednesday morning, no trawlers will be allowed to depart from Teknaf or Saint Martin," he said, adding that 27 service trawlers and 47 speedboats typically operate on this route.

Major Syed Ishtiaq Murshed, deputy commander of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, emphasised that border security has been intensified. "BGB is conducting 24/7 patrols both on land and water to ensure seamless security along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. We are on high alert to tackle any situation," he said.

The area has been witnessing ongoing conflict between Myanmar's government forces and the Arakan Army for over a year. The border along the Naf River remains highly sensitive, prompting enhanced patrols by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard to prevent illegal entry and ensure security.

Additionally, operations at the Teknaf land port have been disrupted.

Syed Mohammad Anwar Hossain, manager of United Land Port Limited, reported that no cargo ships from Myanmar have arrived since Saturday, and loaded vessels are unable to return to Myanmar. "Currently, four cargo ships are docked at the jetty, two of which have unloaded goods, but they remain stranded," he added.

Meanwhile, the Arakan Army has claimed complete control over Maungdaw Township in Rakhine State. Former residents of the area, including refugees in the Nayapara Rohingya Camp, have corroborated reports of curfews and severe restrictions on movement in Maungdaw.

However, the ban does not extend to tourist vessels operating from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's Island via the Bay of Bengal.