Bangladesh, India exchange detained fishermen
Bangladesh returns 128 fishermen while India sends back 23 under bilateral maritime repatriation mechanism amid recurring accidental crossings
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh and India on Thursday carried out a coordinated exchange of detained fishermen, repatriating 151 nationals under an established bilateral mechanism designed to address inadvertent maritime border crossings between the two neighboring countries.
Under the arrangement, Bangladesh repatriated 128 of its fishermen who had been held in India, while 23 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh were sent back across the maritime boundary, according to an official press release.
The handover took place at the international maritime boundary line in the Bay of Bengal, where the Bangladesh Coast Guard received the Bangladeshi fishermen along with five Bangladeshi fishing boats from the Indian Coast Guard. In a reciprocal transfer, Bangladeshi authorities handed over 23 Indian fishermen and two Indian fishing vessels to Indian officials.
The repatriation process involved coordination among several Bangladeshi government bodies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Shipping, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police and local administrative authorities.
Such exchanges are a regular feature of maritime relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, as fishermen from both countries frequently stray across poorly demarcated sea boundaries while operating in shared fishing zones of the Bay of Bengal. Limited navigation equipment, shifting sea currents and unpredictable weather conditions often contribute to unintentional crossings.
Detentions linked to maritime boundary violations have long raised humanitarian concerns, particularly for small-scale fishermen whose families depend on daily earnings. Prolonged custody and vessel seizures can result in significant economic hardship for coastal communities on both sides of the border.
Bangladesh and India have institutionalized repatriation and verification mechanisms over the years to reduce tensions and speed up the return of detained fishermen. Officials from both countries say enhanced coordination between coast guards has helped streamline procedures, even as accidental crossings continue to pose challenges.
The latest exchange reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to manage sensitive maritime issues through cooperation, while balancing border enforcement with humanitarian considerations.
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