Bangladesh, India complete repatriation of 185 detained fishermen
Simultaneously, the exchange of detained vessels was also completed
The reciprocal repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen held in India and 95 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh was completed today (5 January).
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the process began around noon near the western International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
The Bangladesh Coast Guard received 90 Bangladeshi fishermen while handing over 95 Indian fishermen to the Indian Coast Guard.
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Simultaneously, the exchange of detained vessels was also completed. Bangladesh received two fishing vessels, "FV Laila-2" and "FV Meghna-5," while six Indian fishing boats were returned to India.
The handover process was conducted by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the presence of representatives from the MoFA, Department of Fisheries, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said the release.
Upon completing the formalities, the repatriated Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members, along with the two fishing vessels, departed for Chattogram under Coast Guard supervision. They are expected to arrive in Chattogram on the afternoon of 6 January, where their family members will receive them, marking the conclusion of the process.
The repatriation process is being carried out with the collaboration of MoFA, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, BGB, local administration, and other relevant agencies, the release added.
