Dhaka rejects 'baseless, fabricated' allegation of mistreatment of Indian fishermen
Bangladesh firmly rejects such unfounded allegations which undermine the spirit of trust, goodwill and mutual respect between Bangladesh and India, MoFA says
Bangladesh today (9 January) expressed its "utter dismay and deep disappointment" over the "unfounded remarks and fabricated allegations" of ill-treatment including physical abuses of the detained Indian fishermen by the authorities.
Bangladesh firmly rejects such unfounded allegations which undermine the spirit of trust, goodwill and mutual respect between Bangladesh and India, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a media statement.
Bangladesh called upon all parties to avoid making such unfounded allegations that undermine the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.
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The MoFA said authorities concerned in Bangladesh have confirmed that, under no circumstances, were the detained fishermen physically abused.
The matter was thoroughly investigated and it was found that no such ill-treatment or incident of physical abuse happened.
Bangladesh wished to mention that the detained 95 Indian fishermen/crew members were treated appropriately during their stay in Bangladesh.
As per the international norms, the MoFA said, consular accesses were duly granted to the representatives of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, who visited the fishermen during their detention.
The representatives of the Indian diplomatic missions were also present during the release of Indian fishermen on 2 January from the jails and during the fishermen's departure from Mongla on 4 January.
The relevant hospitals completed the health screenings of all Indian fishermen, confirming that they were medically fit.
During their journey towards maritime border, the MoFA said, Bangladesh Coast Guard authorities extended all necessary support and provisions.
The reciprocal repatriation process of the fishermen manifests commitment of the government of Bangladesh in resolving humanitarian issues amicably and collaboratively with the government of India.
The reciprocal repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew detained in India and 95 Indian fishermen/crew detained in Bangladesh was successfully completed in the afternoon of 5 January near the International Maritime Boundary Line.
In presence of the representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Fisheries, and Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Coast Guard received 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members and handed over 95 Indian fishermen/crew members to the Indian Coast Guard.
Simultaneously, the exchange of detained vessels was also completed, two Bangladeshi fishing vessels, "FV Laila-2" and "FV Meghna-5", were returned to Bangladesh, while six Indian fishing boats were returned to India.
