In a significant gesture of maritime goodwill, Bangladesh handed over 23 Indian fishermen along with their two fishing boats to Indian authorities on Thursday. This exchange took place early morning in the Bay of Bengal at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), coordinated seamlessly by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Bangladesh Coast Guard.
The Indian fishermen had been detained by Bangladeshi officials for allegedly crossing into their territorial waters while fishing. In a reciprocal move, India released 128 Bangladeshi fishermen and five of their boats, who were apprehended in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for illegal fishing activities. Legal proceedings under the Foreigners Act had been initiated against them prior to this repatriation.
ICG ships ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Vijay executed the handover with precision, transferring the Bangladeshi fishermen to Bangladesh Coast Guard vessels Kamaruzzaman and Sonar Bangla. Once documentation was cleared, the Indian fishermen were received back by the ICG.
The vessels then proceeded towards the West Bengal coast, where the 23 Indian fishermen and their boats will be handed over to state authorities for reunion with their families. This operation underscores the ongoing humanitarian efforts by India’s Ministry of External Affairs to safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities along its extensive shoreline.
A Defence Ministry statement highlighted that such repatriations reflect both nations’ commitment to the safety and welfare of fishermen, fostering maritime cooperation in shared waters. It emphasizes the importance of humane approaches amid occasional boundary infringements.
ICG officials issued a stern advisory to Indian fishermen, urging them not to venture beyond the IMBL in pursuit of better catches. Violations often lead to detention, financial hardships for families, and prolonged repatriation processes.
Modern fishing boats are equipped with GPS and Distress Alert Transponders (DAT) linked to satellites, enabling real-time tracking and emergency alerts. However, some crews deliberately disable these devices before crossing borders, complicating rescue efforts, especially during cyclonic weather in the Bay of Bengal when vessels can go missing.
This latest exchange brings relief to numerous families and reinforces bilateral ties, reminding fishermen of the risks involved in ignoring maritime boundaries.
