Why Were 34 Fishermen from Bengal’s Kakdwip Detained in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In a concerning incident, 34 fishermen from Kakdwip, West Bengal, have been detained by Bangladesh authorities after their trawlers inadvertently crossed international waters. This situation highlights the challenges faced by fishermen in navigating territorial boundaries amidst political tensions and adverse weather conditions.
Key Takeaways
- 34 fishermen from Kakdwip were detained by Bangladesh.
- Incident occurred due to navigational errors in poor weather.
- The Indian government is working to secure their return.
- Fishermen are reportedly safe despite detention.
- Political tensions may affect fishing operations in the region.
Kolkata, July 15 (NationPress) A total of 34 fishermen, primarily from the coastal region of Kakdwip in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, have been taken into custody by the Bangladesh authorities after their fishing vessels reportedly strayed into the neighboring country's territorial waters.
According to reports shared with the West Bengal government, this incident occurred late on the night of July 13, and the Bangladesh government officially notified both the Indian and West Bengal administrations on Tuesday morning.
Two fishing trawlers, named FB-Jhar and FB-Mangalchandi, lost their way due to darkness and adverse weather conditions, inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line into Bangladeshi waters, as stated by a state government official.
Following this, the Bangladesh Navy apprehended the 34 fishermen along with the two trawlers.
As per the latest updates received by the state administration, the fishermen were captured approximately 77 nautical miles from Bangladesh’s Mongla Port Fairway Buoy.
A representative from the Sundarban Deep-sea Fishermen Workers’ Union mentioned that, although the fishermen are detained, they are not currently facing any adverse conditions. “The state administration is already working on facilitating the return of the detained fishermen,” the union representative stated.
“Given the current political climate in Bangladesh, both the administration and our union have consistently advised fishermen to exercise utmost caution while deep-sea fishing to avoid straying into Indian waters. Nonetheless, such errors can occur due to poor visibility or inclement weather, as evidenced in this instance,” the representative added.
Furthermore, an official from the state fisheries department informed that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been contacted, and they have urged immediate discussions with the Bangladeshi administration to secure the fishermen’s return.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding maritime boundaries and the challenges faced by fishermen. The ongoing dialogue between India and Bangladesh is essential to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of our fishermen.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the fishermen from Kakdwip?
34 fishermen were detained by the Bangladesh Navy after their trawlers inadvertently crossed into Bangladeshi waters.
How far were the fishermen from Bangladesh when they were detained?
They were apprehended approximately 77 nautical miles from Bangladesh’s Mongla Port Fairway Buoy.
What steps are being taken for their return?
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been contacted to initiate discussions with the Bangladeshi administration for their return.
Were the fishermen facing any difficulties while detained?
According to union representatives, the fishermen are not facing any adverse conditions while in custody.
Why did the fishermen cross into Bangladeshi waters?
The fishermen lost direction due to darkness and poor weather conditions.
