ICG Detains 35 Bangladeshi Fishermen After They Were Caught With 500 Kg Illegally Harvested Fish In Indian Water

During a routine patrol in the northern Bay of Bengal on Tuesday (December 16, 2025), the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship Anmol intercepted two Bangladeshi fishing boats inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). A total of 35 crew members were detained for carrying out illegal fishing activities.

The boats were seized for violating the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981, which regulates fishing by foreign vessels, the ICG said on Thursday (December 18, 2025). Officials confirmed that the presence of active fishing gear and about 500 kilograms of fish on board showed that fishing was taking place within Indian waters.

After the interception, the boats and their crew were taken into custody and handed over to the Marine Police at Frazerganj for further legal action under the relevant laws.

Safeguarding India’s maritime interests

The Coast Guard stated that this operation highlights its strong commitment to protecting India’s maritime interests, stopping illegal fishing, and ensuring the safety of Indian fishermen in the region. The force has kept strict watch over the Bay of Bengal to prevent unlawful activities that threaten marine resources and security.

“India Coast Guard Ship, while on patrol in the Northern Bay Of Bengal on 16 Dec 25, intercepted and apprehended two #Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 35 crew members and 500 kg of illegally harvested fish catch inside Indian water,” the ICG stated.

Are Bangladeshi fishing boats sighted often?

This is not an isolated incident. In the past few months, the coast guard has seized eight Bangladeshi fishing boats and detained 170 crew members for similar offences, showing its continued efforts to curb illegal fishing in Indian waters. The Coast Guard maintains a strong presence across India’s maritime zones, enforcing laws, protecting marine life.

Worth noting here is the timing of these incidents as there has been a growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, which has now raised concerns among Indian security agencies.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh, now led by Muhammad Yunus, has sought to extend its influence in the Bay of Bengal, which India considers its strategic backyard. Yunus has even claimed that Bangladesh is the “guardian of the ocean for the entire region”, a statement that has caused unease in New Delhi.

The situation has sparked fears for the safety of Indian fishermen near the international maritime boundary.