Initiation of Mutual Repatriation of Detained Fishermen Between India and Bangladesh: Bangladesh MFA
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Dhaka, Jan 2 (NationPress) The mutual repatriation process involving 95 Indian fishermen and crew members detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members held in India has officially commenced, according to an announcement from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
On Thursday, all 95 Indian fishermen and crew members, who were incarcerated in the jails of Bagerhat and Patuakhali districts, were released.
The entire repatriation process is anticipated to conclude by January 5, following the transfer of Indian fishermen and crew members from the Bangladesh Coast Guard to the Indian Coast Guard, along with the reception of Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members.
Furthermore, the ministry confirmed that two Bangladeshi fishing vessels held in India and six Indian fishing boats detained in Bangladesh will also be exchanged between the two Coast Guards.
"This repatriation operation is being coordinated through the 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 authorities. Following the transfer on January 5, 2025, at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen and crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram on the afternoon of January 6, 2025," stated a release by the Bangladesh MFA.
During October and November 2024, Bangladeshi authorities detained a total of 95 Indian fishermen and six fishing boats.
Conversely, on December 9, Indian authorities detained a total of 78 Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members along with two fishing vessels - FV Laila-2 and FV Meghna-5.
Previously, 12 Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members from fishing boat FB Kaushik, detained by Indian authorities on September 12, have already been released by India.
"The 78 Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members are currently held in Paradeep, Odisha, India under the supervision of the Indian Coast Guard, while 12 Bangladeshi fishermen are held in Kakdwip, West Bengal, India," the Bangladesh MFA disclosed.
