The reciprocal repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew detained in India and 95 Indian fishermen/crew detained in Bangladesh has been completed today.
The process started at around 12:00 PM, near the western International Maritime Boundary Line – Bangladesh Coast Guard received 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members and handed over 95 Indian fishermen/crew members to the Indian Coast Guard. Simultaneously, the exchange of detained vessels was also completed. Two Bangladeshi fishing vessels, “FV Laila-2” and “FV Meghna-5” were returned to Bangladesh, while six Indian fishing boats were returned to India.
The handover process was successfully completed through Bangladesh Coast Guard in the presence of the representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Fisheries, and Border Guard Bangladesh. Upon completion of the formal procedures, Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members along with two fishing vessels sailed towards Chattogram under the supervision of the Bangladesh Coast Guard. They are expected to arrive in Chattogram in the afternoon of 06 January 2025. Family members of the repatriated fishermen and crew would receive them upon their arrival, marking the conclusion of the repatriation process.
The repatriation process is being carried out with the collaboration of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh, local administration, and other relevant agencies.