Bangladesh rejects claims of torture against detained Bengal fishermen
Bangladesh has strongly rejected the allegations of torture against 95 Indian fishermen detained in October 2024. The fishermen, hailing from Kakdwip and Namkhana, were arrested for allegedly crossing into Bangladeshi waters. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the accusations from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee “fabricated and baseless.”
The fishermen, along with six fishing trawlers, were captured by the Bangladeshi Navy for entering its waters. During their detention, one fisherman reportedly died by suicide. The remaining 95 were held in Patuakhali jail. They were released on Monday after diplomatic discussions between India and Bangladesh.
Upon their release, Banerjee visited the fishermen at Gangasagar. She claimed that several fishermen were limping and appeared injured. “When I asked them about their injuries, they hesitated to speak. Later, I discovered they were assaulted in jail, causing injuries to their legs and backs,” she said.
Some fishermen openly accused Bangladeshi authorities of physical abuse. They alleged that they were stripped, tied up, and beaten. They claimed the abuse led to severe health issues. However, Bangladesh denied these accusations.
In its statement, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the treatment of the Indian fishermen met international standards, including providing medical care. The ministry called on both countries to avoid giving weight to baseless claims that could harm their diplomatic ties.
Bangladesh’s rejection of the allegations highlights the tension between the two nations. The fishermen’s claims, if true, could escalate an already delicate issue. Yet, the official statement aims to ease the situation by emphasizing adherence to international norms.
