23 Indian Fishermen Freed from Bangladesh, Return on Jan 29

In a major relief to their families, 23 Indian fishermen detained by Bangladesh security forces were released on Tuesday, ending an anxious wait of over three months.

The fishermen, nine from Andhra Pradesh and 14 from West Bengal, spoke to their families by phone soon after being freed from Bagherhat District Jail. Emotional scenes followed as relatives heard their voices for the first time since their detention, with the men saying, “We are safe, we are coming home.”

They had been in custody since October 2025 after their boats reportedly lost navigation on October 21 and drifted into Bangladeshi waters, where coastal security personnel intercepted them.

After their release, they were escorted to Mongla Port, where they are staying. Their seized boats are undergoing minor repairs for the return journey.

Sources said Mohammad Hafiz Al Asad, Deputy Secretary in Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs, travelled from Dhaka to oversee the process. On behalf of India, Chandrajeet from the Assistant High Commission in Khulna and Vasupalli Janakiram, president of the East Coast Mechanised Fishing Boat Owners Association, Visakhapatnam, completed the documentation.

Officials said that despite sensitivities in bilateral relations, steps were taken to ensure the fishermen’s welfare during detention.

They are scheduled to be handed over to Indian authorities at the International Maritime Boundary Line on January 29, with the Coast Guards of both countries facilitating the process.

Speaking from Khulna, Janakiram said the nine fishermen from Andhra Pradesh may reach Visakhapatnam by January 31 or February 1. He thanked the Indian High Commission, district officials and political leaders, calling the release a humanitarian success.

He added that during his jail visit, he observed the fishermen were given special care and did not face major hardship. The boats are being repaired at Mongla Port ahead of their return to India.