Bangladesh on Thursday expressed its utter dismay and deep disappointment over the unfounded remarks and fabricated allegations of ill-treatment including physical abuses of the detained Indian fishermen by the authorities here.
Bangladesh firmly rejects such unfounded allegations which undermines the spirit of trust, goodwill and mutual respect between Bangladesh and India, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media statement.
Bangladesh called upon all parties to avoid making such unfounded allegations that undermine the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.
The MoFA said: “Authorities concerned in Bangladesh have confirmed that, under no circumstances, were the detained fishermen physically abused.”
The matter was thoroughly investigated and it was found that no such ill-treatment or incident of physical abuse happened.
Bangladesh wished to mention that the detained 95 Indian fishermen/crew members were treated appropriately during their stay in Bangladesh.
As per the international norms, the MoFA said: “Consular accesses were duly granted to the representatives of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, who visited the fishermen during their detention.”
The representatives of the Indian diplomatic missions were also present during the release of Indian fishermen on January 2 from the jails and during the fishermen’s departure from Mongla on January 4.
The relevant hospitals completed the health screenings of all Indian fishermen, confirming that they were medically fit.
The MoFA said: “Bangladesh Coast Guard authorities extended all necessary support and provisions, during their journey towards the maritime border.”
The reciprocal repatriation process of the fishermen manifests the commitment of the government of Bangladesh to resolving humanitarian issues amicably and collaboratively with the government of India.
The reciprocal repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew detained in India and 95 Indian fishermen/crew detained in Bangladesh was successfully completed on the afternoon of January 5, 2025, near the International Maritime Boundary Line.
In the presence of the representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Fisheries, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Coast Guard received 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew members and handed over 95 Indian fishermen/crew members to the Indian Coast Guard.
Simultaneously, the exchange of detained vessels was also completed, two Bangladeshi fishing vessels, FV Laila-2 and FV Meghna-5, were returned to Bangladesh, while six Indian fishing boats were returned to India.