Bagerhat, Oct 31 (V7N) — Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam, Bagerhat District BNP Joint Convenor and Chairman of the Save the Sundarbans Foundation, emphasized the need to protect the Sundarbans while supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen. He highlighted the struggles fishermen face due to fishing restrictions, saying, “Those who poison fish and destroy the forest are not fishermen; they are criminals. True fishermen respect the forest.”

Dr. Islam pointed out that while the government provides rice assistance during fishing bans, genuine fishermen often do not receive this support. Many non-fishermen benefit instead, leaving those who rely on fishing in debt. “Fishermen in Rampal and Mongla are burdened by debt due to these bans. I assure them of my support,” he said, addressing the hardships coastal fishing communities endure.

The exchange meeting was organized by the Sundarban Fishermen Cooperative Society at the Rampal Model Mosque on Thursday afternoon, drawing thousands of fishermen and their families. It was conducted under the chairmanship of the society’s president, Motasin Farazi, with additional remarks from local BNP leaders Mostafa Kamal Patwari Halim, Kazi Zahidul Islam, and fishing association heads Md. Liaqat Ali and Md. Saidur Rahman.

The current fishing ban to protect the Hilsa fish will end on November 3, after which the fishermen are expected to return to the sea. Dr. Islam held the meeting to show solidarity and assure fishermen of continued support as they prepare for the upcoming fishing season.

END/AHS/AJ