Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly denied West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims that Indian fishermen faced mistreatment in Bangladeshi jails.
Mamata made these allegations on January 6 while welcoming 95 repatriated Indian fishermen at an event on Sagar Island during preparations for the Gangasagar Mela.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh expressed "deep disappointment" and called the accusations baseless and fabricated. The statement did not mention Mamata Banerjee by name but firmly refuted her remarks.
"Bangladesh is deeply dismayed by the unfounded remarks and fabricated allegations of ill-treatment, including physical abuse, of detained Indian fishermen by Bangladeshi authorities," the statement read.
Mamata had accused Bangladesh of torturing the fishermen, claiming their hands and legs were tied, causing some of them to limp. "Their pain reflects the torture they faced in Bangladesh prisons," she stated at the event.
Also Read: India, Bangladesh complete repatriation of 185 detained fishermen
Bangladesh responded that these allegations undermine the trust and goodwill between the two neighbouring countries. The statement emphasised that an investigation found no evidence of abuse and that the fishermen were treated according to international norms.
The Bangladeshi government also highlighted that consular access was granted to Indian High Commission representatives, who visited the fishermen during their detention.
These representatives were present when the fishermen were released on January 2, and during their departure from Mongla on January 4, 2025. Health screenings conducted before their release confirmed the fishermen were medically fit.
On January 5, a reciprocal exchange of 95 Indian fishermen and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen took place at the International Maritime Border in the Bay of Bengal, completing their repatriation.
Also Read: Mamata accuses Bangladesh of torturing repatriated fishermen
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