“Whose Power, Whose Pain?” — The Complex Realities of Myanmar and the Maritime Border
On May 18, 2026; the Center for Critical Discourse (CCD) and Dhaka University Criminology Cultural Society (DUCCS) organized a praxis classroom on the crisis surrounding Saint Martin’s Island and the Myanmar maritime border.
The event focused on the real experiences of the people living in the water border region. Fishermen who were abducted by the Arakan Army and students from Saint Martin’s shared their stories of fear, suffering, and uncertainty.
Former abducted fishermen, Mohammad Amin described months of torture, hunger, and abuse during his illegal detention. He spoke about physical violence, lack of food and medical care, and the trauma carried by those who returned home.
Student representative Zobayer explained how the people of Saint Martin’s are struggling with erosion, poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and insecurity. He also discussed how many local people feel ignored despite being citizens of Bangladesh.
Speakers at the event argued that this is not only a border issue. It is also connected to climate change, environmental destruction, economic inequality, forced labor, unsafe migration, and geopolitical conflict.
The discussion highlighted how rising sea temperatures and declining fish populations are forcing fishermen to travel farther into dangerous waters. As a result, the risk of detention and violence at the maritime border is increasing.
Speakers also criticized uncontrolled tourism and the growing dominance of outside business groups over the island’s economy. They argued that local communities are losing control over their own land, resources, and livelihoods.
The event called for stronger protection for fishermen and island residents, better healthcare and education facilities, community-based tourism policies, and more research on maritime border violence and socio-ecological justice.
The people of Saint Martin’s are not just part of a imperialist crisis. They are human beings trying to survive in conditions shaped by insecurity, exploitation, and neglect.
