In a significant diplomatic move, India and Bangladesh are set to mutually release and repatriate fishermen on January 5.
This was informed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
“Earlier today, 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladeshi authorities to the Bangladesh Coast Guard for handing over to the Indian Coast Guard on January 5, 2025. On the same day, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen will also be released in a mutual release and repatriation operation that will be concluded at sea between the respective Coast Guard authorities,” it said.
The MEA stated that in recent months, several Indian fishermen have been arrested by Bangladesh authorities when they happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and entered Bangladesh waters.
Several Bangladesh fishermen have also been apprehended by Indian authorities in similar circumstances, it stated.
“The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. To this end, it has worked assiduously to secure the release of our fishermen from Bangladesh custody,” it said.
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The MEA further said, “The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.”
