ISPR debunks fake news claiming Bangladesh Navy sank Indian fishing trawler in the Bay
It also urges all media outlets to exercise responsible journalism and to refrain from publishing and circulating misleading, sensational or defamatory reports
The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate in a statement has condemned certain media outlets and social media platforms for circulating "false, misleading and unfounded reports involving the Bangladesh Navy.
"These reports allege that a Bangladesh Navy ship intruded into Indian waters and deliberately sank an Indian fishing trawler named PAROMITA-10 while it was engaged in fishing activities in the Bay of Bengal," said the ISPR statement today (16 December).
In further said, "In fact, at the time the Indian fishing trawler met with the accident, Bangladesh Navy patrol ship was conducting routine maritime patrol well within Bangladesh waters, at a distance of more than 12 miles from the incident location. Bangladesh Navy had no involvement whatsoever in the said incident."
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According to ISPR, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) of the Indian Coast Guard officially informed MRCC, Dhaka via email that an Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) named PAROMITA-10 had capsized and sunk in Indian waters of the Bay of Bengal with 16 fishermen on board on Monday (15 December), Bangladesh local time at 15:15pm.
It noted that another Indian fishing trawler IFB RAGHUPATI successfully rescued 11 fishermen, while the remaining five fishermen remain missing.
The Indian Coast Guard subsequently requested all nearby ships and fishing trawlers to assist in the ongoing search efforts. Immediately upon receiving this information, Bangladesh Navy promptly directed its patrol ship to undertake search activities within Bangladesh waters.
Through close coordination and cooperation with the relevant authorities of both Bangladesh and India, Bangladesh Navy patrol ship actively participated in the searching efforts alongside the Indian Coast Guard and local Bangladeshi fishermen, said the statement.
The ISPR said such initiatives reflect the Bangladesh Navy's commitment to humanitarian assistance at sea and contribute significantly to strengthening mutual trust, cooperation and friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
It said notwithstanding these facts, some sections of the news media and social media have continued to disseminate unfounded allegations claiming that a Bangladesh Navy ship entered Indian waters and sank the fishing trawler PAROMITA-10.
"These claims are entirely baseless. The publishing of such misinformation is deeply regrettable and unwarranted," said ISPR.
It also urged all media outlets to exercise responsible journalism and to refrain from publishing and circulating misleading, sensational or defamatory reports against Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh.
