India, Bangladesh begin return of jailed fishermen

DELHI/DHAKA: Amid discord in ties, India and Bangladesh Thursday worked out a mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessels that saw Dhaka agreeing to hand over 95 Indian fishermen to Indian authorities. India too agreed to release 90 Bangladeshi fishermen.

Govt said the release was worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian concerns of fishing communities on both sides. "Earlier today, 95 Indian fishermen were handed over by Bangladesh authorities to Bangladesh Coast Guard for handing over to Indian Coast Guard on January 5. On the same day, 90 Bangladeshi fishermen will be released in a mutual release and repatriation operation that will conclude at sea between the respective coast guard authorities."

Two Bangladeshi vessels and six Indian boats will also be exchanged. The Bangladeshi crew will likely return to Chattogram on January 6.