Bangladesh Navy detains Indian trawlers for maritime trespassing

Dhaka Tribune, October 16, 2024

The Bangladesh Navy has detained two Indian trawlers and 31 fishermen for trespassing into the country’s waters.

Local fishermen have long complained about illegal entries by Indian fishermen during the fishing ban, which often leads to a depletion of their catch.

The vessels were detained on Tuesday afternoon by the Bangladesh Navy's warship BNS Shaheed Akhtaruddin during a routine patrol in the Bay of Bengal, near Kuakata.

The detained fishermen hail from various villages in India's 24 Parganas district.

On Wednesday at 10am, Lieutenant Commander Mosiul Islam, Commanding Officer of BNS Shaheed Akhtaruddin, confirmed the incident at a press conference at the Payra Port jetty area.

"The detained fishermen have been handed over to Kalapara Police Station. Legal procedures are being followed," he said.

However, the Navy did not release the names or photographs of the detained fishermen.

The government has imposed a 22-day fishing ban, from September 13 to November 3, to protect mother ilish.