Thirty-four fishermen from West Bengal’s Kakdwip and Namkhana in South 24 Parganas were detained by the Bangladesh Navy on July 13 for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Bay of Bengal, according to Satinath Patra, secretary of the Sundarban Samudrik Matsajibi Shramik Union. The fishermen, aboard trawlers FB Jhar and FB Mangalchandi, were intercepted near the Fairway Buoy during a routine patrol and taken to Mongla for legal action, with several species of fish recovered from their vessels.

Patra noted that fishermen from both nations often fish close to the maritime border, but bad weather and darkness likely caused the trawlers to stray. “We’ve cautioned fishermen to stay within Indian waters, but mistakes happen,” he said, expressing hope for government intervention. The West Bengal administration and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka are engaging with Bangladeshi authorities to secure the fishermen’s release.

A state fisheries official confirmed diplomatic efforts are underway, though a defense official could not verify the incident. This follows a January 2025 mutual release of 95 Indian and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, highlighting recurring cross-border tensions. Social media posts on X reflect growing concern among families, with some accusing Bangladesh of a harsher stance under its interim government.

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