34 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh, India formally raises issue with Dhaka, seeks prompt release
Indian officials say the country's High Commission in Dhaka is actively pursuing consular access and pressing for the safe and early return of both the fishermen and their vessels.
New Delhi: Days after 34 Indian fishermen were detained by the Bangladesh Navy for allegedly straying into Bangladeshi territorial waters while fishing in the Bay of Bengal, the Indian government has formally raised the issue with Dhaka, seeking their prompt release.
'We are constantly pursuing the matter for facilitating the safe and early return of all the fishermen along with their boats,' they further added.
The fishermen, all residents of Kakdwip in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, were apprehended late on the night of July 14–15, along with two Indian fishing trawlers, FB Jhor and FB Mangalchandi for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Bangladeshi territorial waters.
The vessels were intercepted late yesterday near the Fairway Buoy area in the deep sea and the detained fishermen were then taken to Mongla, Daily Star reported Tuesday. The West Bengal state government is also coordinating with Indian diplomats in Bangladesh in an effort to expedite the release.
The arrest underscores ongoing tensions along the maritime boundary between India and Bangladesh, where fishermen on both sides frequently navigate contested or poorly demarcated waters. This is not an isolated incident. In October 2024, 95 Indian fishermen and six trawlers were detained by Bangladeshi authorities and were released only after serving nearly three months in prison.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Day after India's appeal to reconsider demolition, Yunus govt denies Satyajit Ray link to Bangladesh building
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