COAST Foundation commissioned a study titled “Socio-economic challenges and pathway to improvement: Insights from the people of Monpura Upazila, Bhola” in January 2025. As part of its strategic initiatives, COAST periodically conducts research and studies to assess the current livelihood conditions of the local population in its working areas and adapt its program activities accordingly. The study found that 38% of average people in Monpura mainly engaged in fishing and significantly contributed to the country’s fishing supply chain but only a few of them have received government support during the fishing ban.
The fishermen also have little awareness on fishing laws, bans and regulations on fishing. A major portion of 38% of people’s average income is BDT 3000-6000. Among the respondents, 7% have their own tube well, ensuring access to drinking water while 62% must fetch water from a tube well located at a distance. Students from 35% of households are regularly going to Schools or Madrasha, 55% of respondents mentioned that only a few children are enrolled in educational institutions, and 10% reported that no children from their households are attending school or madrasa. Among the respondents, 52% reported that the child marriage rate in their area is increasing.
The primary reasons cited for this lack of attendance in educational institutions and child marriage included parental unawareness, poverty, child labor, migration, etc. So, there are lots of areas of improvement in this remote place to achieve SDGs 2030. The detailed findings may help the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to set out their response strategies to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people.
