Bangladesh Repatriates 128 Fishermen from India

Under the existing bilateral repatriation arrangement between Bangladesh and India, 128 Bangladeshi fishermen, who had been detained in India for an extended period, were returned to their homeland on Thursday, 29 January. The handover took place in a formal ceremony at the international maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal, where the Bangladesh Coast Guard received the returning fishermen.

As part of the repatriation process, India also handed over five Bangladeshi-owned fishing vessels, highlighting the humanitarian and diplomatic cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. Such exchanges are being recognised as a model of goodwill, fostering trust and collaboration in maritime security.

On the same day, 23 Indian fishermen, who had been detained in Bangladesh at various times for illegal entry, were repatriated to India in accordance with legal and courtesy protocols. During this process, Bangladesh returned two Indian-owned fishing vessels to the Indian Coast Guard.

The exchange of fishermen and vessels was conducted smoothly and efficiently in the presence of officials from both countries’ coast guards at the mid-sea boundary. After long periods of uncertainty and separation, fishermen from both nations were reunited with their families, marking the successful conclusion of a large-scale repatriation exercise.

The operation involved coordinated efforts across multiple Bangladeshi ministries and agencies, including:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Home Affairs

Bangladesh Coast Guard

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock

Other key organisations such as the Ministry of Shipping, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Police, and local administrations played a vital role in resolving legal and administrative challenges. Most of the fishermen had inadvertently crossed international waters while fishing, leading to their detention by the neighbouring country.

Officials from both nations’ border and coast guard forces noted that such exchanges help strengthen mutual trust, enhance maritime cooperation, and build a framework for managing cross-border incidents more effectively. Upon return, Bangladeshi fishermen will undergo preliminary health checks and legal formalities before being handed over to their families through local authorities.

The authorities also emphasised the importance of raising awareness among fishermen about the risks of drifting into foreign waters due to adverse weather conditions, a recurring challenge in the Bay of Bengal.

Repatriation Summary:

This large-scale operation demonstrates the commitment of both Bangladesh and India to humanely manage maritime boundary issues while maintaining strong diplomatic and security relations. It also sets a precedent for future cooperative measures in the Bay of Bengal.