India trying to facilitate safe and early return of 34 Indian fishermen detained by Bangladesh
According to sources, on the intervening night of July 14-15, 34 Indian fishermen along with two of their Indian fishing trawlers, FB Jhor and FB MaMangalChandi, were apprehended by Bangladesh authorities near Mongla, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Bangladeshi territorial waters.
As soon as information about the incident was received, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh took up the matter with Bangladeshi authorities through diplomatic channels seeking immediate consular access.
'We are constantly pursuing the matter for facilitating the safe and early return of all the fishermen along with their boats,' the sources added.
The vessels, FB Jhor and FB Mangal Chandi-38, were intercepted near the Fairway Buoy area in the deep sea late on Monday.
Several species of sea fish were recovered from the trawlers, according to Bangladeshi reports.
The 34 men from Kakdwip in West Bengal were produced before a Bangladeshi court, following their detention by the Bangladesh Navy.
The West Bengal state government had reached out to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, requesting diplomatic intervention for the release of the detained fishermen.
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