34 Indian Fishermen Held By Bangladesh For Allegedly Entering Its Waters While Fishing In Bay Of Bengal

More than 24 hours after their detention, 34 Indian fishermen from Kakdwip in West Bengal's South 24-Parganas remain in custody, the Indian Express reported.

The fishermen were reportedly detained by the Bangladesh Navy late Monday night (14 July) after they allegedly entered Bangladeshi territorial waters while fishing in the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh authorities also seized two trawlers, FB Jhar and FB Mangalchandi, and took the fishermen to Mongla Port.

“The arrested fishermen and their seized trawlers have been taken to Mongla Port. The fishermen likely crossed the maritime border accidentally due to adverse weather conditions,” a source from Kakdwip was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

A Bangladeshi patrol ship reportedly intercepted the vessels before escorting them to port.

Kakdwip MLA Manturam Pakhira assured the families of the detained fishermen that the matter was being handled with urgency.

He expressed confidence and urged families not to worry.

Satinath Patra, representing the Sundarbans Maritime Fishermen Workers Union, emphasised the recurring nature of such incidents and called for a lasting resolution.

South 24 Parganas District Magistrate Sumit Gupta confirmed that the state administration has been alerted.

“So far, there is no development. We have informed the state administration, and they will take up the issue with the concerned authorities,” he said.

Last October, 95 Indian fishermen detained under similar circumstances were released after nearly three months in custody.

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