- Bangladesh Navy captured 31 Indian fishermen and two trawlers for entering Bangladeshi waters during a fishing ban.
- West Bengal’s government pledges to assist the detained fishermen.
- Lack of GPS technology contributed to the fishermen crossing the border unknowingly.
The Bangladesh Navy detained 31 Indian fishermen and seized two trawlers for illegal entry into Bangladeshi territorial waters. This action occurred during a 22-day fishing ban designed to protect marine resources.
The detained fishermen, residents of West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, were apprehended after attempting to flee, resulting in their capture and subsequent transfer to Patuakhali for legal proceedings.
Fishermen Detained by Bangladesh Navy Amid Territorial Waters Dispute
In response to the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern and promised state support for the fishermen. The West Bengal Fishermen Association has since reiterated the need for fishermen to avoid crossing into Bangladeshi waters. The lack of modern navigation technology, like GPS, on the trawlers has been blamed for their unintentional entry into foreign waters, highlighting the need for better equipment to prevent future incidents.
Bangladesh has enforced a 22-day fishing ban in its waters, aimed at preserving marine life. The detained Indian fishermen were caught violating this ban, which has been strictly observed by Bangladeshi authorities. This incident follows a pattern of fishermen unknowingly crossing maritime borders due to the lack of clear demarcations at sea.
West Bengal’s government has responded with concern, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reaching out to local officials to ensure efforts are made to assist the fishermen’s safe return. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Kakdwip stated that the state government is actively involved in resolving the issue.
The West Bengal Fishermen Association, however, warned its members against such crossings, reiterating a rule that has been in place for nearly a decade. They stressed that all vessels should be equipped with GPS navigation systems to prevent future boundary violations. This recurring issue points to the critical need for technological upgrades and stricter compliance by the fishermen.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing tension between India and Bangladesh over fishing boundaries, highlighting the need for modern navigational tools and clearer guidelines to prevent unintentional border crossings and ensure the safety of fishermen.
“We cannot be held responsible for anyone who is apprehended while fishing in Bangladesh waters.” – Joy Prakash Haldar, West Bengal Fishermen Association spokesperson.
