C T Online Desk: A fisherman was killed, and two others were injured after Myanmar Navy personnel allegedly opened fire on a Bangladeshi fishing trawler in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Teknaf-Saint Martin’s Island in Cox’s Bazar Wednesday afternoon.
The deceased is Osman, 50, son of Bacha Mia, from the Kona area of Shahpari Island in Teknaf. He was reportedly a Rohingya refugee.
Abdus Salam, a local UP member from Shahpari Island, confirmed the incident on Thursday afternoon.
He said that a group of fishermen from his area, aboard six trawlers, were fishing near Saint Martin’s Island when the Myanmar Navy fired upon them.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, about 30 kilometres from Saint Martin Island, while the fishermen were at sea.
According to Saiful Zanana, the owner of the trawler involved in the shooting, the Myanmar Navy suddenly chased their vessel and began firing.
“Three of my crew were shot, and one of them died,” Zanana said.
The Myanmar Navy subsequently detained all six trawlers. However, on Thursday, they released one trawler, along with 11 people, including the deceased and the injured. The remaining five trawlers and their Bangladeshi crew members are still being held by the Myanmar Navy.
Lt Col Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of the BGB Teknaf-2nd Battalion, confirmed the incident.
“We have received information that one person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting incident by the Myanmar Navy near Saint Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal. We are currently gathering more details,” he added.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury also confirmed the incident.
“One Bangladeshi fisherman has been killed, and two others were shot by the Myanmar Navy near Saint Martin’s Island. Eleven of the detained fishermen have been released and have already returned to Shahpari Island. However, five trawlers and other fishermen remain in Myanmar Navy custody,” he added.
