India, Bangladesh release, repatriate over 150 fishermen

Amid ongoing tensions in bilateral ties, India and Bangladesh on Thursday successfully concluded the release and repatriation of each other’s fishermen, who inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line, along with their operable vessels.

The repatriation involved 23 Indian fishermen and 128 Bangladeshi fishermen.

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A Ministry of External Affairs release said the Indian fishermen who inadvertently crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line had been arrested by the Bangladesh authorities recently. The Bangladeshi fishermen had also been apprehended by the Indian authorities similarly.

The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides.

The well-being of the Indian fishermen during their period of incarceration was monitored by the Indian High Commission, which provided them with warm jackets and ensured provision of essentials.