Mongla, Jan 03, (V7N) - After spending 1 month and 16 days in custody, 64 Indian fishermen are set to return home on January 2, 2025. These fishermen were arrested by the Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard on October 17, 2024, for illegally entering Bangladesh's maritime boundaries and fishing in its waters.

According to Mongla Police, the fishermen were detained along with four fishing trawlers in the Bay of Bengal, near the Fairway Buoy, which is close to the Mongla Port. Upon their arrest, the fishermen were handed over to the police, and a case was filed against them for violating Bangladesh's maritime laws. Subsequently, they were sent to jail in Bagerhat.

The fishermen, who hailed from various coastal regions of West Bengal, India, spent a little over a month in jail before being released under a bilateral understanding between Bangladesh and India. The police confirmed that after the filing of three separate cases, and after an agreement between both countries, the charges were dropped. This allowed for the fishermen's release and their return to India.

On January 2, the fishermen were taken from the jail to Mongla. The police handed over the seized trawlers and their belongings at the Mongla ferry terminal. Coast Guard officials were also present to oversee the proceedings.

The fishermen were then escorted to the Mongla Coast Guard office, where they were prepared for their journey back home. According to reports, the fishermen are expected to travel to Kakdwip, a region in South 24 Parganas of West Bengal, their hometown, in the evening. They were greeted by their relatives, including Abhijit Biswas and Sukumar Gain, who thanked the Bangladesh government for releasing the fishermen through diplomatic negotiations.

The family members explained that the fishermen had mistakenly entered Bangladesh’s waters while fishing, and after discussions between the governments of Bangladesh and India, the case was resolved. They expressed their gratitude to the current government of Bangladesh for their efforts in ensuring the fishermen’s release.

Sub-Inspector Hadiuzzaman Hadi from Mongla Police Station confirmed that three separate cases were filed following the fishermen's arrest. After their release, the police handed over their boats and equipment to them. The fishermen are now on their way back to India, thanks to the joint efforts of Bangladesh and Indian authorities.

This diplomatic resolution highlights the continued cooperation between Bangladesh and India in handling such maritime disputes and ensuring the safe return of individuals caught in border conflicts.

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