Indian Diplomacy Intensifies After 34 Fishermen Held by Bangladesh

New Delhi:

34 fishermen from Kakdwip, West Bengal, were detained by the Bangladesh Navy for allegedly crossing into Bangladeshi waters while fishing in the Bay of Bengal on the night of 14–15 July, the Indian government has formally registered a diplomatic protest with Dhaka and is pressing for their immediate release.

According to official sources, the High Commission of India in Dhaka “took up the matter, through diplomatic channels” immediately upon receiving notification of the arrests. They added: “We are constantly pursuing the matter for facilitating the safe and early return of all the fishermen along with their boats”.

The 34 men were aboard two fishing trawlers, FB Jhor and FB Mangalchandi, which were intercepted near the Fairway Buoy area around Mongla Port in deep sea waters approximately 77 nautical miles from the port. Bangladesh Navy sources say the vessels were found fishing within their exclusive economic zone, and several sea‑fish species were recovered before the fishermen were taken to Mongla for legal proceedings.

Residents and local leaders in Kakdwip claim the fishermen may have strayed inadvertently due to adverse weather conditions. Union secretary Satinath Patra said:

“It was pitch dark and a sudden storm made things worse. They didn’t realise they crossed the maritime boundary.”   

Kakdwip MLA Monturam Pakhira echoed similar concerns, stating that rescue efforts are underway and urged families not to worry. He added:

“This is an international matter … there will be no exception this time, and I urge the families not to worry.”  

South 24 Parganas District Magistrate Sumit Gupta confirmed that the state administration is in direct contact with the Indian Embassy in Dhaka, reiterating that India is working to expedite the fishermen’s release.

This is not the first time Indian fishermen have been detained under similar circumstances. In October 2024, 95 fishermen and six trawlers were held by Bangladeshi authorities for nearly three months before being released.

The situation once again highlights the recurring tensions along the Bay of Bengal’s poorly demarcated maritime boundary, which continues to impact livelihoods on both sides of the border. While India pursues a diplomatic resolution, Bangladesh has initiated domestic legal procedures in Mongla.

With diplomats working round the clock, the fishermen’s potential release in the coming days hinges on bilateral cooperation. Both national and state-level teams are poised to intensify efforts to ensure a swift and humane resolution.