Why Were 14 Fishermen from West Bengal Detained in Bangladesh?
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Synopsis
In a concerning incident, fourteen fishermen from West Bengal have been detained by the Bangladesh Coast Guard after their trawler drifted into Bangladeshi waters. Families are anxious, and local organizations urge diplomatic intervention for their safe return.
Key Takeaways
- 14 fishermen from West Bengal detained in Bangladesh.
- Trawler named ‘FB Shuvojatra’ suffered an engine failure.
- Incident highlights the porous maritime borders.
- Families are calling for government intervention.
- Previous incidents of fishermen crossing borders have been noted.
Kolkata, Oct 19 (NationPress) A total of fourteen fishermen from West Bengal have been apprehended by the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) after they inadvertently entered international waters, as reported by police on Sunday.
Authorities disclose that the fishermen hail from Kultali in the South 24 Parganas district. They set out to sea aboard a trawler named ‘FB Shuvojatra’ on October 13.
Last Saturday, the trawler suffered an engine malfunction while navigating deep waters. Consequently, it drifted into Bangladeshi waters amid rough sea conditions. The Coast Guard and military forces of Bangladesh intercepted the trawler after it crossed the international boundary.
A senior officer from South 24 Parganas stated, “We have learned that fourteen fishermen from Kultali entered Bangladeshi waters following the breakdown of their trawler. Their families have been notified. We are coordinating with the relevant authorities to facilitate discussions with officials from the neighboring country for their release.”
The families of the fishermen are facing challenges in reaching out to them due to their detention in Bangladesh. This situation has caused considerable distress in Kultali, particularly as the festive season approaches. The fishermen's organization has urgently called upon both governments to intervene for their safe return. The administration is currently conducting inquiries into the matter.
In a related incident last month, approximately thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen illegally crossed the coastal borders into West Bengal, prompting state and central coastal security agencies to enhance security measures in the sensitive regions of the Sunderbans.
The Indian Coast Guard had previously apprehended a Bangladeshi trawler carrying thirteen fishermen that had entered Indian waters after breaching the maritime boundary.
Given the porous and riverine international border between India and Bangladesh, boats and trawlers from Bangladesh frequently venture into Indian territorial waters.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with a focus on diplomacy and humanitarian concerns. The apprehension of these fishermen underscores the complexities of maritime borders in the region and the need for cooperative efforts between India and Bangladesh to resolve such issues amicably.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the detention of the fishermen?
The fishermen were detained after their trawler broke down and drifted into Bangladeshi waters.
Where are the fishermen from?
The fishermen are from Kultali in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
What action is being taken for their release?
Authorities are in discussions with the neighboring country to facilitate the fishermen's release.
How are the families coping with this situation?
The families are facing challenges in contacting their loved ones and are anxious about their well-being.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maritime border security between India and Bangladesh.
