12 Bangladeshi fishermen released in Bengal as efforts intensify to bring 95 Indian fishermen home

Twelve Bangladeshi fishermen who had been detained in West Bengal for crossing the maritime boundary were released on December 24, 2024. The fishermen had entered Indian waters after their boat sank on September 15, 2024, and were arrested by Indian authorities for violating the maritime boundary. They were charged under the Foreigners Act of 1946 and detained in Diamond Harbour Sub-Jail, South 24 Parganas district. The fishermen were handed over to the Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday, December 24, after being kept at Akhayanagar flood relief center. The transfer took place in the presence of local officials, including Kakdwip’s BDO and the officer-in-charge of Kakdwip Police Station.

The release of the Bangladeshi fishermen comes amid the ongoing detention of 95 Indian fishermen in Bangladesh for similar maritime boundary violations. Bangladesh's Coast Guard arrested 79 Indian fishermen in September 2024 for crossing the international maritime boundary while fishing in the Bay of Bengal. Later, in October 2024, 31 more Indian fishermen were arrested, followed by the detention of 48 fishermen in November 2024. The most recent arrests occurred in November 2024, with 16 additional Indian fishermen detained for crossing the maritime boundary.

The detained Indian fishermen, who are residents of various regions in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, remain in Bangladesh jails. Their families are awaiting their return, and efforts to bring them back are ongoing. The West Bengal government has been actively engaged with the central government to expedite their release. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sent letters to the central government requesting diplomatic intervention to secure the return of the Indian fishermen. Bangladesh has not yet made a formal statement regarding the status of the Indian fishermen.

Sakil Ahmed, one of the 12 Bangladeshi fishermen released, expressed gratitude for the treatment they received while in Indian custody. "We were treated well and were kept safe during our detention," Ahmed said. He also expressed hope that the Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh would soon be freed, reflecting the mutual expectation for the release of citizens detained by both countries due to maritime boundary disputes.

The release of the 12 Bangladeshi fishermen is part of ongoing diplomatic negotiations between India and Bangladesh regarding maritime boundary violations. Both countries have been working through diplomatic channels to resolve the issue and ensure the safe return of fishermen detained for crossing international waters.