Today, 22 January 2025, COAST Foundation organized a meeting with local government and administration in Teknaf Upazila Parishad Conference Room. The meeting was presided by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director, COAST Foundation. SK Ahsan Uddin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar was present as the chief guest in the meeting. In addition, different government officials, local political leaders, fisherfolk communities’ representatives, women leaders and journalists were present. The meeting was moderated by Zahangir Alam, Assistant Director, COAST Foundation.
At the beginning of the meeting, Tanjir Uddin Roni of COAST Foundation presented a presentation on the research findings conducted by COAST after the ban on fishing in the Naf River. He said that more than 3000 fishermen family were dependent on the Naf River now facing various challenges. The study found that 84% of the fishing families were solely dependent on the Naf River for their income and livelihood. Only 23% of the fishermen received assistance the government or local authorities. 90% of the fishermen who participated in the survey reported that their income had decreased significantly, which was about 50% to 60%. The study highlighted the significant absence of female fishermen, which indicates significant gender inequality in the fishing community. Due to the fishing ban in the Naf River, 70% of the fishermen shifted to alternative income such as: daily labor, driving autorickshaws, working on other people’s land, doing small businesses, etc. Many fishermen were forced to borrow money at high interest rates to sustain their families. Some are even forced to sell family assets to survive.
The new livelihood project was presented by Pintu Biswas of COAST. He presented the objectives and activities of the project. He also said that alternative income generative will be created by providing skill and climate adaptive technologies for fisheries household, which will strengthen their ability to survive in adverse conditions. Moreover, he highlighted how they will be provided with sustainable livelihoods through financial assistance and how market linkages will be created with the affected families, so that they can ensure fair prices for their produce by marketing it. This project is funded by Vital Foundation a international humanitarian organization.
Sameer Das, a fisherman representative of Hnila Union, said, “I am a fisherman of Hnila Union. I have been particularly affected by the ban on fishing in the Naf River. I am spending my days in great difficulty with my children. I hope that through this project I will be able to involve myself in income-generating activities and improve the financial condition of my family.” Women’s leader Kulsuma Begum said, “Our situation was much better before fishing in the Naf River was banned. Now everyone is worried about the Rohingyas, but the people here are living in a very bad condition, which everyone should pay attention to our improvement.” Shahidul Alam of the Department of Fisheries said, “The initiative taken by the COAST is very timely and suitable. I will provide my highest support if needed.” I hope, the project staff will coordinate with the Department of Fisheries.
Cox’s Bazar District Press Club President Touhid Belal said, this project will play a very important role for the fishermen’s families. He said, 1000 fishermen’s families will benefit from this project. We hope, other NGOs will implement such activities for the fisherfolk communities to alleviate the poverty of the people.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said, after the ban on fishing in the Naf River, we got this project after the research. I hope, we will select 1000 beneficiaries of the project in the right way. A survey will be conducted to finalize this selection and after the survey, it will be verified and selected with the support of union level and the Upazila administration. We hope that everyone will cooperate in this process.
SK Ahsan Uddin said that starting such a project with fishermen will be effective. He said, actual fishermen household must be selected in the right way. If the project needs any cooperation, Upazila administration will do it. He wishes for the successful implementation of the project and let thanked to COAST and Vitol Foundation. He also added that a High-level discussion is underway to restore fishing permits in the Naf River, hoping for some good news for fishermen soon.
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