Nine AP Fishermen Detained in Bangladesh; CM Chandrababu Seeks Centre’s Intervention

The Andhra Pradesh government has intensified efforts to bring back nine fishermen from Vizianagaram district who are currently in the custody of the Bangladesh Navy . Acting on representations made by Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu , Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu swiftly took up the matter with the Centre and sought urgent diplomatic intervention.

The Chief Minister has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah , urging immediate steps to secure the fishermen’s release. He requested the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Bangladesh government and press for their early release on humanitarian grounds , ensuring their safe return to Andhra Pradesh.

According to Minister Atchannaidu, a mechanised fishing boat with registration number INDAP-V5-MM-75 , operating from Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour , went out to sea on October 13, 2025 . Due to rough sea conditions and sudden weather changes, the fishermen inadvertently crossed into international waters and were apprehended by the Bangladesh Navy. The incident came to light on October 22 through fellow fishermen. Since then, the prolonged absence of the fishermen has caused deep distress to their families.

Diplomatic discussions have now reached a crucial stage. As per official data, 13 Bangladeshi fishermen are in custody in Andhra Pradesh , while 122 are detained in West Bengal . In his communication, the Chief Minister appealed for expediting the reciprocal release of fishermen between the two countries. The State government, the minister said, is in constant coordination with the Centre and will continue efforts until the fishermen, along with their boat, are brought back safely.

Incidents of fishermen straying into neighbouring waters are frequent due to unclear maritime boundaries and unpredictable weather conditions. Following increased surveillance after political instability in Bangladesh in late 2024, over 100 Indian fishermen were arrested during October and November. In similar cases, several Andhra Pradesh fishermen were released from Bangladesh and Pakistan jails in 2023 through diplomatic efforts.

Meanwhile, 23 Indian fishermen from Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, detained in Bagerhat jail since October 2025, were recently acquitted and are scheduled to be handed over to the Indian Coast Guard at Mongla Port . As it remains unclear whether the nine Vizianagaram fishermen are among those being released, the State government has sought clarity and faster action from the Centre.

Under the existing Consular Access Agreement between India and Bangladesh, fishermen are usually released on humanitarian grounds through mutual exchange. Officials are hopeful that the Chief Minister’s intervention will further speed up the diplomatic process for the release of the nine fishermen.