Fishermen from Kutubdia, off the coast of Bangladesh, are increasingly at risk of being detained by Indian law enforcement due to the absence of clearly marked maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal. Thick fog and unmonitored sea lanes often result in fishermen unintentionally crossing into Indian waters, leading to arrests and harassment.
Local fishermen and their families have repeatedly urged authorities to take measures to safeguard their livelihoods. They suggest installing essential boundary buoys, equipping trawlers with modern navigation technology, and increasing patrols by law enforcement vessels. Such steps, they argue, would significantly reduce accidental entry into foreign waters and minimise unnecessary harassment.
According to community sources, approximately 80 Kutubdia fishermen have been detained in India over the past few months. Notable incidents occurred on 17 November, 19 November, 1 December, and 17 December, involving multiple fishing trawlers.
Fishermen explain that while the Bangladesh–India maritime boundary is determined based on water depth and trawler movement schedules, real-world conditions—such as tidal changes and thick fog—often create measurement errors. Additionally, they claim that Indian law enforcement occasionally enters Bangladeshi waters, further increasing the risk of detention.
Abul Kalam Azad, President of the Upazila Fishermen Federation, emphasised the importance of boundary demarcation. “Placing buoys even three to four kilometres offshore could prevent a significant number of problems,” he said. “Equipping each trawler with modern navigation technology would also reduce risks considerably.”
Upazila Executive Officer Jamshed Alam Rana acknowledged the challenges faced by fishermen. “Due to insufficient awareness of sea boundaries, fishermen sometimes accidentally enter Indian waters. We will communicate this issue to higher authorities and ensure necessary measures are taken,” he stated.
Local advocacy groups suggest that increased vigilance near the Kakdwip area of India could help prevent future arrests and harassment of Bangladeshi fishermen.
Recent Detentions of Kutubdia Fishermen:
| Date | Number of Fishermen Detained | Location/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 17 November | 22 | Various trawlers near Indian waters |
| 19 November | 15 | Kakdwip vicinity |
| 1 December | 21 | Coastal boundary area |
| 17 December | 22 | Dense fog conditions |
| Total | 80 | — |
Experts note that without effective demarcation and proper monitoring, Kutubdia fishermen remain vulnerable to repeated detentions, which threaten both their livelihoods and safety. Proper maritime boundary marking, technological support on trawlers, and consistent patrolling could mitigate these risks and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
This situation highlights the urgent need for coordinated action between Bangladesh authorities and local fishing communities to protect fishermen while maintaining maritime security.