India hands over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen: foreign ministry

Indian authorities today handed over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, who were detained in India on different occasions, to Bangladesh.

On the other hand, Bangladesh authorities handed over 95 Indian fishermen, said Bangladesh's foreign ministry.

In early October, 64 Indian fishermen on four trawlers were arrested in Bagerhat. Another 31, on two trawlers, were later arrested in Patuakhali.

On the other hand, in early December, the Indian Coast Guard arrested 78 Bangladeshi fishermen who had entered Indian waters near Paradeep, Odisha. Earlier, 12 Bangladeshi fishermen had been arrested by the Indian Coast Guard.

The reciprocal repatriation of the fishermen of the two countries began around 12:00pm near the western International Maritime Boundary Line today.

Bangladesh Coast Guard received the 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew members and handed over 95 Indian fishermen and 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, the foreign ministry statement said.

The handover process was successfully completed through the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the presence of the representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Fisheries, and Border Guard Bangladesh.

Upon completion of the formal procedures, Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members along with two fishing vessels sailed towards Chattogram under the supervision of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. They are expected to arrive in Chattogram in the afternoon today.

Family members of the repatriated fishermen and crew would receive them upon their arrival, marking the conclusion of the repatriation process.

The repatriation process is being carried out with the collaboration of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, local administration, and other relevant agencies.