Bangladesh and India completed a reciprocal repatriation of 151 fishermen on Thursday.

Under this mutual arrangement, 128 Bangladeshi fishermen returned home, while 23 Indian nationals were simultaneously sent back to their home country.

The handover took place at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Bay of Bengal, where the Bangladesh Coast Guard officially received the 128 fishermen along with five fishing boats from their Indian counterparts.

In a coordinated exchange, Bangladesh handed over the 23 Indian fishermen and two of their vessels. Most of these individuals had been detained after inadvertently crossing the maritime boundary while fishing.

This repatriation process was a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Coast Guards of both nations, and various other agencies including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local administrations.

Officials noted that the exchange was prioritized to address the livelihood concerns and well-being of the fishing communities on both sides.

Reports indicated that the Indian High Commission had monitored the welfare of the Indian detainees during their time in Bangladesh, providing essentials like warm clothing, while the Bangladeshi authorities ensured a smooth transition for their returning citizens.