Sea Boundary Gaps Threaten Kutubdia Fishermen

Kutubdia fishermen are facing increasing risks in the Bay of Bengal due to the absence of clearly demarcated maritime boundaries. Dense fog and unpatrolled sea zones have led to repeated incidents where local fishermen inadvertently cross into Indian waters, resulting in detention by Indian law enforcement agencies.

Fishermen and their families have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to enhance their safety. Their recommendations include installing key boundary buoys in Bangladesh waters, equipping fishing trawlers with modern navigation technology, and increasing the patrolling presence of law enforcement vessels. They believe these steps would significantly reduce unintentional boundary violations and subsequent harassment.

Local sources report that in the past few months, approximately 80 Kutubdia fishermen have been detained in India. Notable incidents occurred on 17 November, 19 November, 1 December, and 17 December, with several trawlers’ crews taken into custody.

Fishermen explain that while the Bangladesh–India maritime boundary is technically determined by water depth and trawler transit hours, practical challenges such as tidal fluctuations and heavy fog often lead to measurement errors. Additionally, Indian enforcement personnel occasionally enter Bangladeshi waters and detain local fishermen, further complicating the situation.

Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Upazila Fishermen Federation, emphasised the importance of practical measures: “Installing boundary buoys just three to four kilometres offshore could resolve many of these problems. Modern navigation systems on each trawler could further control the risk.”

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jamshed Alam Rana also acknowledged the issue, stating: “Fishermen often unintentionally enter Indian waters due to lack of clear knowledge of maritime boundaries. The matter will be addressed through the higher authorities to ensure proper resolution.”

Local advocacy groups have also suggested that increasing awareness and vigilance near the Kakdwip region of India, close to the Bangladesh boundary, could help prevent future detentions and harassment.

A summary of key incidents and recommendations is presented below:

Authorities and local communities stress that proper boundary marking, technology deployment, and increased awareness are crucial to protecting Kutubdia’s fishermen and ensuring their livelihoods are not jeopardised.