India and Bangladesh announce mutual release of fishermen as a humanitarian gesture
| 2025-01-03
Representative image.
This mutual exchange will take place at sea and will be coordinated by the respective Coast Guards
In a significant humanitarian gesture, India and Bangladesh have announced a mutual release of fishermen detained for inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Over recent months, several Indian fishermen were apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities after unintentionally entering Bangladeshi waters. Similarly, Indian authorities detained Bangladeshi fishermen who crossed into Indian maritime territory under comparable circumstances. These incidents, often arising due to the shared and closely bound maritime borders.
Recognizing the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of these communities, both governments have worked together to address the issue.
In a statement issued on Thursday (January 2, 2025), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Bangladeshi authorities handed over 95 Indian fishermen to the Bangladesh Coast Guard earlier in the day. On January 5, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard will take custody of these fishermen at sea. In a reciprocal move, India will release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen on the same day. This mutual exchange, coordinated between the respective Coast Guards, will occur at a designated maritime location.
This operation also includes the return of vessels seized during the apprehensions, ensuring that the fishermen can resume their livelihoods without additional delays or losses. The exchange represents a gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering closer ties and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.
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, the MEA said.
The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of its fishermen, emphasizing that diplomatic channels have been consistently engaged to secure the release of Indian nationals.
Over recent months, several Indian fishermen were apprehended by Bangladeshi authorities after unintentionally entering Bangladeshi waters. Similarly, Indian authorities detained Bangladeshi fishermen who crossed into Indian maritime territory under comparable circumstances. These incidents, often arising due to the shared and closely bound maritime borders.
Recognizing the primarily humanitarian and livelihood concerns of these communities, both governments have worked together to address the issue.
In a statement issued on Thursday (January 2, 2025), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Bangladeshi authorities handed over 95 Indian fishermen to the Bangladesh Coast Guard earlier in the day. On January 5, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard will take custody of these fishermen at sea. In a reciprocal move, India will release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen on the same day. This mutual exchange, coordinated between the respective Coast Guards, will occur at a designated maritime location.
This operation also includes the return of vessels seized during the apprehensions, ensuring that the fishermen can resume their livelihoods without additional delays or losses. The exchange represents a gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering closer ties and ensuring the safety of vulnerable communities.
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, the MEA said.
The MEA reiterated India’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of its fishermen, emphasizing that diplomatic channels have been consistently engaged to secure the release of Indian nationals.
Mamata Banerjee Challenges Election Commission in Supreme Court
The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has filed a petition against the Election Commission's decision to freeze the TMC's name and symbol.
| 2026-09-19
Telangana High Court Disqualifies MLA Danam Nagender Amid Political Fallout
The Telangana High Court disqualifies MLA Danam Nagender, sparking reactions from the BJP and BRS, who criticise the Congress government.
| 2026-09-19
Scottish Sikh Man Receives Bail in India After Nine-Year Detention
Jagtar Singh Johal has been granted bail in India after nearly nine years of detention related to alleged terrorism offences.
| 2026-09-19
Delhi Police Investigate Gang-Rape and Murder of 16-Year-Old Girl
A tragic case in Delhi sees four teenagers accused of gang-rape and murder, with shocking details emerging about the victim's death.
| 2026-09-19
Maldives Completes $150 Million Repayment to India After Extensions
The Maldives repays a $150 million loan to India, settling the last tranche after several extensions. India absorbed nearly $45 million in interest payments.
| 2026-09-19