A landmark cross-border repatriation unfolded early Thursday in the Bay of Bengal, with Bangladesh returning 23 Indian fishermen and two IFBs nabbed for illegal fishing in its waters. India mirrored the goodwill, releasing 128 detained Bangladeshi fishermen and five boats from its EEZ.
Under a mutual arrangement, ICG collaborated with Bangladesh Coast Guard at the IMBL. Indians were held for IMBL transgression; Bangladeshis faced Foreigners Act charges after ICG arrests.
The handover featured ICGS Samudra Prahari and ICGS Vijay passing Bangladeshis to Kamaruzzaman and Sonar Bangla. Indians rejoined ICG post-documents check, en route to West Bengal for administrative handover and family returns.
Hailing the event, Defence Ministry lauded External Affairs’ role in humane resolutions for shoreline-dependent communities. It signals both countries’ dedication to fisher safety, boosting joint maritime initiatives.
Warnings rang out from ICG: stay within limits to dodge capture, kin hardships, and drawn-out releases. GPS-equipped boats with active DAT enable oversight, but border-crossers’ shutdowns spell trouble, worst in cyclone-hit Bay seas prone to losses.
Relief washes over communities as this exchange fortifies bilateral trust, advocating vigilant navigation for peril-free voyages.