Indian Government's Diligent Efforts for the Release of Fishermen from Bangladesh
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New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that the Indian government has been working diligently to ensure the release of its fishermen from Bangladesh custody. These fishermen were arrested by the neighboring country's authorities over the past few months for accidentally crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
Earlier on Thursday, Bangladesh authorities transferred 95 Indian fishermen to the Bangladesh Coast Guard, who will then hand them over to the Indian Coast Guard on January 5.
On the same day, a reciprocal release will see 90 Bangladeshi fishermen returned to their home country in a joint operation at sea between the respective Coast Guard authorities.
The MEA's statement noted, “In recent months, numerous Indian fishermen have been detained by Bangladesh authorities when they inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Bangladeshi waters. Similarly, several Bangladeshi fishermen have faced similar detentions by Indian authorities.”
The statement further emphasized, “The Government of India places the utmost value on the safety, security, and welfare of Indian fishermen. Consequently, it has worked diligently to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody. The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been organized with the primary focus on the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.”
According to the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry, all 95 Indian fishermen and their crew members were detained in jails located in Bagerhat and Patuakhali districts.
The entire process is set to conclude on January 5, following the Bangladesh Coast Guard's transfer of Indian fishermen and crew members to the Indian Coast Guard, along with receiving Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members.
As per a statement from the Bangladesh MFA, “This repatriation process is facilitated through collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, local administration, and other relevant agencies. After the transfer on January 5, 2025, the Bangladeshi fishermen and crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram on the afternoon of January 6, 2025.”
In October and November 2024, Bangladeshi authorities had detained a total of 95 Indian fishermen along with six fishing boats.
