The government of India has been considering the issue of releasing Bangladeshi fishermen, who were detained while fishing inside Indian Territory, said Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran.
Replying to the queries of journalists, he said: Detention of the coastal fishermen in the Indian jails for unwillingly crossing the maritime boundary is a humanitarian issue.
He assured the locals to talk to the officials concerned with the issue.
The Indian envoy made the disclosure while inaugurating deep tube well installation programme at Baroitala Ferry Ghat of Barguna on Sunday.
A total of 200 deep tube wells have been installed in Barguna Sadar, Amtoli and Taltoli upazilas of Barguna with the Indian assistance to help ease residents’ difficulties in accessing to safe waters.
The deep tube well installation project was funded by the government of India as part of an initiative to implement Small Development Projects, said an Indian statement.
It added: “These deep tube wells will help in reducing difficulties in accessing to safe drinking water in the three upazilas of Barguna.”
While inaugurating the programme, Pankaj Saran said: Bangladesh is a close friend of India and the Indian government is interested to work for welfare of the Bangladeshi people.
He further said the Indian government would also extend their assistance in order to develop the education and drinking water supply system in Bangladesh, if it gets proposal.
Mentioning that the beauty of the region attracts him, Pankaj said: Our government is also planning to set up an Indian Visa Centre in Barisal in a bid to ease the travel-hassle of the people of the region.
Later, he joined a discussion with the civil society members of the district.
2014 Dhaka Tribune