Indefinite ban on vessels in Naf; tourist ships from Cox's Bazar to St Martin's continue
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
The Teknaf upazila administration today (11 December) imposed an indefinite ban on all vessel operations in the Bangladesh section of the Naf River, including the Teknaf-Saint Martin's waterway.
However, tourist ships travelling from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin's via the Bay of Bengal will continue their operations.
"Due to the situation in Myanmar, announcements have been made in border areas instructing all vessel operators, including fishermen, not to operate in the Naf River until further notice," said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin while speaking to journalists.
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"For nearly a year, there has been ongoing fighting between Myanmar's government forces and the Arakan Army in Myanmar's Rakhine State, east of the Teknaf border. The Naf River border is now extremely risky. Therefore, announcements have been made to prevent any boats or trawlers from entering the river," he added.
Additionally, patrols by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard have been intensified along the Naf River and the border to prevent illegal crossings and manage any potential situations, said the UNO.
Previously, on 4 December, after the Arakan Army took full control of the Myanmar city of Maungdaw in Rakhine State, it imposed an indefinite ban on vessel operations in the Myanmar section of the Naf River.
Rashid Ahmed, president of the Saint Martin Service Trawler Owners Association, said that the ban was imposed by the UNO office on Wednesday morning, following a notification from the Coast Guard on Tuesday night. "From Wednesday morning, no trawlers will be allowed to depart from Teknaf or Saint Martin. There are 27 service trawlers and 47 speedboats typically operating on this route," he added.
Major Syed Ishtiaq Murshed, acting commander of Teknaf-2 Battalion of the BGB, said, "In response to the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, patrols on the Naf River and at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border have been intensified. The BGB remains on high alert to respond to any situation at the border."
Meanwhile, since 7 December, no cargo vessels from Myanmar have arrived at Teknaf land port, and those that unloaded goods are unable to return to Myanmar.
Syed Mohammad Anwar Hossain, manager of United Land Port Limited, said, "A cargo vessel carrying fish from Myanmar's Akyab port anchored at Teknaf land port jetty last Friday. Since Saturday, no other vessels have arrived. Currently, four cargo vessels are docked at the jetty, two of which have unloaded their goods but are unable to return to Myanmar."
