Summary:
- 64 Indian fishermen, detained for illegally entering Bangladeshi waters, were released from Bagerhat prison and transported to Mongla under Coast Guard security.
- The group consisted of 48 fishermen imprisoned since October 18 and 16 since November 21, 2023, all arrested during Bangladesh’s Hilsa fishing ban.
- The released fishermen will be officially handed over to Indian Coast Guard during a bilateral meeting in Indian waters on Sunday.
- Family members present outside the prison expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government as the home ministry withdrew all cases under the Marine Fisheries Act.
The Bangladesh government has released 64 Indian fishermen who were detained in Bagerhat prison for entering Bangladeshi waters illegally. These fishermen were among the 95 Indian nationals from South 24 Parganas who were arrested by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in October and November 2023.
Release Details
The released group includes 48 fishermen who were imprisoned on October 18 and another 16 who were detained on November 21, 2023. Following their release from Bagerhat prison, they were transported to Mongla under special Coast Guard security.
Handover Process
The fishermen will be officially handed over to the Indian Coast Guard during a bilateral meeting scheduled for Sunday in Indian waters. This release comes after the Bangladesh home ministry withdrew all cases against the detained fishermen under the Marine Fisheries Act, 2020.
Background Context
The arrests occurred during a 22-day government ban on Hilsa fishing in Bangladesh waters. The incident had caused significant distress to the families of the fishermen, with many facing financial hardships during their loved ones’ detention. This release represents a diplomatic gesture amid recent tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Broader Impact
This development is particularly significant as India currently has over 500 fishermen detained in various countries, including 141 in Sri Lankan prisons and 211 in Pakistani jails. The release also coincides with Bangladesh’s recent decision to return six detained fishing trawlers to India.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
