Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent:
The five-month dry fish production season is set to begin on Friday, October 30, at Dublar Char in the Sundarbans, along the Bay of Bengal coast. Fishermen from different parts of the country have started heading towards the fishing grounds from Mongla after obtaining the required permits from the Forest Department.
Many fishermen gathered in Mongla over the past two to three days to load their boats with fishing nets, bamboo, construction materials, food supplies and other essentials. They began their sea journey after midnight on Thursday.
According to the Forest Department, the season will continue until the end of March next year. During this period, fishermen will stay at Alorkol, Officekella, Narkelbaria and Shelar Char. The department has permitted the construction of 900 temporary houses, 100 shops selling essential goods and 100 depots for fish trading.
Around 10,000 fishermen and fish traders are expected to gather in the area during the season. Temporary shelters, fish-drying yards, jetties and landing facilities will be built to support fishing and fish processing activities.
However, the Forest Department has strictly prohibited cutting or using trees and other vegetation from the Sundarbans for construction. Legal action will be taken against anyone found damaging the forest. Fishermen are therefore carrying bamboo, fencing materials and other necessary supplies with them.
Several fishermen said that the season coincides with a period of storms and tidal surges, making their work particularly risky. Bad weather often disrupts fishing and fish-drying activities. Boats may capsize during storms, while rain can cause dried fish to rot, resulting in substantial financial losses. Despite these risks, they continue working at sea to support their livelihoods.
The fishermen also said they would use materials brought from outside rather than cutting trees from the forest.
A new healthcare facility will be introduced this season. For the first time, Friendship will operate a floating hospital at Dublar Char to provide medical services to fishermen throughout the five-month period. A speedboat will also be available to transport emergency patients.
Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said the floating hospital initiative had been taken into consideration of the healthcare needs of fishermen staying at the remote fishing grounds. Friendship will provide medical services there throughout the season.
News Published By:
Bangladesh Diary
Photo: .
