Sustainable livelihood for small-scale fishermen demanded in Bhola 

BHOLA, Oct 20: Speakers at a seminar in Bhola demanded sustainable, skill-based livelihood support for small-scale fishers instead of short-term relief during hilsa fishing ban. 

COAST Foundation organized the seminar at its Bhola Centre. Mobasshir Ullah Chowdhury of Coat Foundation chaired the event while Deputy Executive Director Sanat Kumar Bhowmik moderated. District Fisheries Officer Md. Iqbal Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest.

Participants said thousands of fishers fall into debt every year as the 40 kg VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice support is both delayed and inadequate, leaving 60 per cent of registered fishers income-less for 2-3 months. 

They demanded direct cash transfer, expansion of skill-based IGA programmes, timely support delivery, and updating the fisher database with participation of fishers' representatives.

Speakers urged investment in alternative livelihood options such as goat rearing, aquaculture, fish processing, and vegetable cultivation, especially for women and youth. 

They also called for modern fishing technologies, training centres, storage facilities, and 100 per cent access to family planning services for fisher households.

Journalists noted fisher families face human rights violations when they are arrested for fishing slightly beyond 90-100 km limits in Meghna and Tentulia. Fisher leaders alleged that non-fishers hold cards while genuine fishers remain excluded.

Chief Guest Iqbal Hossain said, fish diversity has dropped drastically-only 25-26 species now remain out of about 260 species in rivers and 400 in sea-and the government is distributing legal nets, rice aid, and livestock to assist them.