Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 8, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 91 Bangladeshi fishermen, who had been detained in India on allegations of fishing illegally in Indian waters, were handed over to their families along with four fishing boats after being repatriated through coordinated efforts between the Bangladesh and Indian Coast Guards.

Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said today that the fishermen had been detained by the Indian Coast Guard on December 16 and 17, 2025, and on January 20 and February 16, 2026, from waters adjacent to the Bangladesh-India international maritime boundary.

Four Bangladeshi fishing boats were also seized during the incidents.

Following diplomatic initiatives by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and close coordination between the Bangladesh Coast Guard and the Indian Coast Guard, a decision was taken to facilitate the return of the detained fishermen and their boats.

Under the arrangement, the Bangladesh Coast Guard formally received the 91 fishermen and the four fishing boats from the Indian Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on June 7.

Officials said the cordial relations, mutual cooperation and coordination between the coast guards of the two neighbouring countries had made such repatriation efforts more effective and streamlined.

The fishermen and their boats were officially handed over to their family members at Coast Guard Base Mongla at noon today.

Commander Shah Kamruzzaman of the Bangladesh Coast Guard said the force would continue its efforts to safeguard the interests of Bangladeshi fishermen and ensure security at sea.