Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh expresses 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 Bangladesh authorities.
Bangladesh firmly rejects such unfounded allegations which undermine the spirit of trust, goodwill and mutual respect between Bangladesh and India, the Foreign Ministry in a statement said on Thursday.
Concerned authorities of 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 wishes to mention that the detained 95 Indian fishermen/crew members were treated appropriately during their stay in Bangladesh.
As per the international norms, 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 02 January 2024 from the jails and during the fishermen’s departure from Mongla on 04 January 2024.
The relevant hospitals completed the health screenings of all Indian fishermen, confirming that they were medically fit. During their journey towards maritime border, Bangladesh Coast Guard authorities extended all necessary support and provisions.
The reciprocal repatriation process of the fishermen manifests commitment of the Government of Bangladesh in resolving humanitarian issues amicably and collaboratively with the Government of India.
Bangladesh calls upon all parties to avoid making such unfounded allegations that undermine the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.
The reciprocal repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen/crew detained in India and 95 Indian fishermen/crew detained in Bangladesh was successfully completed in the afternoon of 05 January 2025 near the International Maritime Boundary Line.
