Myanmar Navy releases 22 Bangladeshi fishermen near St. Martins Island

A day after Myanmar Navy reportedly detained at least 22 Bangleshi fishermen from Saint Martin's Island, were released, local media reported on Sunday. According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, fishermen were detained by Myanmar Navy earlier on Saturday when y were reportedly roaming in Saint Martin's Island- an area that lies inside Banglesh maritime boundary.

" Bangleshi men were picked up by neighbouring country's naval forces at around 9:30 am on Saturday," local media outlet quoted island's Union Parish Chairman Nur Ahmed as saying. According to Ahmed, fishermen were detained from east side of island. However, he ted reason behind "illegal" detention is yet to be clarified by Myanmar Navy. Also, Ahmed claimed he h spoken to some of fishermen over phone who told him that Navy officials allegedly detain m and n towed ir trawlers.

Foreign Minister yet to clear all developments

"y said all of m were taken on board a Myanmar Navy ship and ir trawlers h been towed. y did t kw where y were being taken," he said. "Since n, ir phones have been switched off. We have tified Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (U) and or relevant authorities," Ahmed ded. Furr, Bangleshi brosheet daily newspaper said Teknaf U Parvez Chowdhury h coordinated with Border Guard Banglesh and Banglesh Coast Guard and urged m to handle situation. When media outlet tried to contact Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to get latest update, y refused to reply to queries. 

Kw more about current situation of Myanmar

It is worth mentioning that Myanmar Navy currently comes under control of Junta regime that h ousted democratically elected government and has been ruling country since n. military takeover was met with massive public protests that resulted in a lethal crackdown by security forces who routinely fire live ammunition into crowds. According to a tally kept by independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, at least 1,167 people have been killed in protest. Despite mounting pressure domestically as well as globally, Junta leer, Min Aung Hlaing, refused to step down from his post. 

(Im: AP/Pixabay)