Tension escalated between Bangladesh and Myanmar after a deadly incident involving Bangladeshi fishing boats and the Myanmar navy. On Wednesday, six Bangladeshi vessels fishing near Saint Martin Island, a small island at the mouth of the Naf River separating the two nations, inadvertently drifted into Myanmar’s territorial waters due to strong currents.
In a swift and shocking response, the Myanmar navy reportedly opened fire on the boats, resulting in the tragic death of a 60-year-old fisherman. Furthermore, 57 other fishermen were apprehended by the Myanmar navy.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry issued a strong statement condemning the attack and demanding immediate action from Myanmar to prevent future incidents. The statement also revealed that a diplomatic protest had been lodged with the Myanmar government.
Bangladesh’s Coast Guard intervened, securing the release of the detained fishermen. However, a second fisherman is reported to have been injured during the Myanmar navy’s gunfire, according to an officer from the nearby Teknaf police station.
The owner of one of the vessels, speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, emphasized that the fishing crews had unknowingly crossed into Myanmar waters due to the powerful sea currents. He added that the Myanmar navy opened fire without any prior warning.
The Myanmar military junta, currently ruling the country, has yet to comment on the incident.
The recent incident adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the two countries. Border disputes are a long-standing source of friction between Bangladesh and Myanmar, further complicated by the presence of over a million stateless Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, fleeing persecution in their home country.
