India takes up arrest of 34 fishermen with Bangladesh

India on Friday took up the arrest of 34 Indian fishermen with Bangladesh authorities who were apprehended late on Monday night by the latter country's Navy for allegedly crossing into Bangladeshi waters while fishing in the Bay of Bengal.

"As soon as information about the incident was received, the High Commission in Bangladesh took  up the matter with Bangladeshi authorities through diplomatic channels seeking immediate consular access," sources informed.

On the intervening night of July 14 and 15, 34 Indian fishermen along with two of their Indian fishing trawlers, FB Jhor and FB MaMagalChandi, were apprehended by Bangladesh authorities near Mongla, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Bangladeshi territorial waters.

The sources said that the matter is being constantly pursued to ensure the safe and early return of all the Indian fishermen along with their boats.

In October last year, 95 Indian fishermen and six trawlers were detained by Bangladesh authorities. They were released nearly three months later after serving time in prison.