Mamata Banerjee Demands Union Government to Secure Release of 85 Fishermen Held in Bangladesh
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Kolkata, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, stated on Monday that the Union government must take action to facilitate the release of 85 fishermen from the state who have been apprehended in neighboring Bangladesh after unintentionally crossing international coastal lines.
“Some fishermen from our state accidentally crossed the international coastal borders and are now being held in Bangladesh. We have engaged lawyers on their behalf. The Union government has been made aware of this situation, yet no progress has been made. The Union government needs to take this matter seriously,” the Chief Minister expressed while addressing the state Assembly during the sixth day of the winter session.
She further emphasized that the Union government should start the necessary procedures to guarantee that these fishermen return to their homes.
The Chief Minister highlighted that a fishing trawler from Bangladesh also crossed the international boundaries by mistake and entered the waters of West Bengal.
“However, since they had the appropriate documentation, they were permitted to return,” she noted.
Additionally, she explained to the Assembly the rationale behind her government’s decision to prohibit the export of potatoes and onions to other states.
“Certain individuals are exporting potatoes outside the state for greater profits. However, our government's priority is to first fulfill the internal needs of West Bengal before permitting any surplus to be exported. I will not allow the export of onions and potatoes to other states without our government being informed,” she stated.
She added that the local production of onions in West Bengal satisfies only 75 percent of the internal demand.
“Therefore, the export of onions from this internal production to other states cannot be permitted,” the Chief Minister concluded.
