128 Bangladeshi Fishermen Return from India, Five Fishing Boats Repatriated

The repatriation operation was formally conducted in the Bay of Bengal on Thursday (29 January), at a maritime boundary between the two countries. A special team from the Bangladesh Coast Guard received the returning fishermen.

The Coast Guard said the repatriation was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner as a gesture of humanitarian and diplomatic goodwill. On the same day, 23 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh for various alleged intrusions were also returned to India, with two Indian-owned fishing boats handed over to the Indian Coast Guard.

Officials said the fishermen had inadvertently crossed international waters while fishing due to adverse weather and navigation problems. After returning, the Bangladeshi fishermen underwent initial health checks and legal procedures before being handed over to their families through local authorities.

Regular exchanges like these enhance mutual trust and cooperation and raise awareness among fishermen regarding international maritime boundaries.