The reciprocal repatriation process of 95 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen detained in India began on Thursday, which is expected to be completed Sunday next, said the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.
“Bangladesh Coast Guard has initiated the process of handing over 95 Indian fishermen/crew members to the Indian Coast Guard and receiving 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members,” said a press release issued by the Ministry on Thursday.
Besides, two Bangladeshi fishing vessels detained in India and six Indian fishing boats detained in Bangladesh will also be exchanged between the two Coast Guards, reports Bangladesh Sanghbad Sangstha (BSS).
“If everything (formalities) goes as per schedule, the exchange of the fishermen will be held on Sunday,” Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters in Dhaka on Thursday.
Bangladesh authorities detained a total 95 Indian fishermen and six fishing boats inside Bangladesh Waters during October and November 2024.
The 95 Indian fishermen/crew members, who were held in Bagerhat and Patuakhali District Jails, were released on Thursday, reports BSS.
(Navalsang Parmar, Dhaka)