India and Bangladesh agree mutual release of fishermen: 95 Indians, 90 Bangladeshis
Bangladesh handed over 95 Indian fishermen to its Coast Guard for transfer to the Indian Coast Guard at sea on 5 January 2025.
Summary
India and Bangladesh worked out a mutual release and repatriation of fishermen, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on 2 January 2025. Under the India–Bangladesh arrangement, 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladesh authorities to the Bangladesh Coast Guard on 2 January for handing over to the Indian Coast Guard on 5 January 2025, and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen were to be released by India on the same day. MEA said the exchange of fishermen and their vessels, to be concluded at sea between the two Coast Guards, was worked out keeping in mind humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities.
Key facts
- Announced
- 2 January 2025, MEA
- Indian fishermen
- 95, handed over to Bangladesh Coast Guard on 2 January
- Bangladeshi fishermen
- 90, to be released by India
- Exchange
- At sea between the Coast Guards on 5 January 2025
- Reason for arrests
- Inadvertent crossing of the International Maritime Boundary Line
- Basis
- Humanitarian and livelihood concerns; vessels also exchanged
Practice MCQs 2 questions
How many Indian fishermen were to be repatriated by Bangladesh under the mutual release announced on 2 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 95
MEA: 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladesh authorities to the Bangladesh Coast Guard for handing over to the Indian Coast Guard on 5 January 2025; 90 Bangladeshi fishermen were to be released by India.
Where was the India–Bangladesh fishermen exchange of January 2025 to be concluded?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — At sea between the two Coast Guards
MEA: the mutual release and repatriation operation will be concluded at sea between the respective Coast Guard authorities.