Kolkata/Dhaka, 3 January (H.S.): This new year brings good news for fishermen from West Bengal. A total of 95 Indian fishermen from Kakdwip, who were detained in Bangladesh for more than three months, will be released on January 5. At the same time, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen held in India will also be sent back to their country.Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Advisor M. Touhid Hossain shared this information during an event in Dhaka. He confirmed that under the bilateral prisoner exchange agreement, the fishermen will be handed over at the international maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal on January 5.How Were These Fishermen Detained?According to officials, six Indian fishing trawlers mistakenly entered Bangladeshi waters in September and October, leading to the arrest of 95 Indian fishermen. They were kept in jails in Patuakhali and Bagerhat.On the other hand, on December 9, two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers, 'MV Meghna' and 'MV Laila,' entered Indian waters, carrying 78 fishermen. Additionally, 12 more Bangladeshi fishermen were rescued from a sinking trawler during a storm in the Bay of Bengal and later detained in India.Homecoming After Three Months in DetentionEarlier, 64 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh were released, and now the remaining 95 will also be freed. Superintendent of Bagerhat Jail Shankar Kumar Majumdar stated on Friday that the release was approved by Bangladesh’s Home Ministry and the court, after which the fishermen will be handed over to Indian embassy officials.India-Bangladesh Cooperation Leads to AgreementAs part of the agreement, India will also release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained for entering Indian waters. Indian embassy officials have confirmed this decision.Fishing boats from India and Bangladesh often cross into each other's waters by mistake, leading to arrests. However, both governments periodically release detained fishermen as a goodwill gesture to strengthen bilateral relations.Families Rejoice as Fishermen Return HomeAfter spending more than three months in detention, the news of their return has brought immense joy to the families of the fishermen. In Kakdwip, their families are celebrating the decision, eagerly awaiting their safe return home.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh