Bangladesh reopens Naf River to fishing after 8-year ban
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Phyo (NP News) – Feb 16
According to reports from the Dhaka Tribune, the fishing ban in the Naf River, which had been in place for eight years to prevent drug trafficking and illegal entry from Myanmar, has now been lifted.
The Bangladesh government has decided to reopen fishing in the Bangladesh section of the river, which runs along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Following a directive from the High Court, the Cox’s Bazar district administration sent a letter to the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
The letter stated that the High Court had instructed the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner to take necessary measures to resume legal fishing activities in the Naf River. It also outlined five specific conditions under which fishing can take place.
The reopening of the river has been a source of relief for fishermen in Teknaf, who have faced hardship due to the ban. The restriction on fishing in the Naf River was first imposed on August 25, 2017.
The ban was initially implemented to address concerns over drug smuggling and the illegal influx of Bengalis into Bangladesh. After eight years, the ban has now been lifted.
It is speculated that the ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Tatmadaw in Myanmar has influenced the Bangladesh government's decision, as the situation on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border may now be seen as an opportunity to allow fishing from the Bangladeshi side. –