Bangladesh-India Complete Reciprocal Repatriation of Detained Fishermen and Vessels

The reciprocal repatriation of detained fishermen and crew members between Bangladesh and India has been successfully completed today, January 5, 2025. The exchange process, which began around 12:00 PM near the western International Maritime Boundary Line, involved the Bangladesh Coast Guard receiving 90 Bangladeshi fishermen and crew members while handing over 95 Indian fishermen and crew members to the Indian Coast Guard.

Simultaneously, detained fishing vessels were also exchanged. Two Bangladeshi fishing vessels, FV Laila-2 and FV Meghna-5, were returned to Bangladesh, while six Indian fishing boats were handed over to India.

The handover operation was carried out by the Bangladesh Coast Guard with the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Fisheries, and Border Guard Bangladesh. Following the formal procedures, the Bangladeshi fishermen, crew members, and vessels departed under Coast Guard supervision towards Chattogram, where they are expected to arrive in the afternoon of January 6, 2025. Family members of the repatriated fishermen will welcome them upon arrival, marking the final step of this coordinated effort.

This successful repatriation was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 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.#