Fishermen demand security from robbers in Bay
Fishermen of Kuakata area formed a human chain in front of the deputy commissioner's office in Patuakhali town yesterday to press for their six-point demand.
The demands include security of fishermen in the Bay, Rehabilitation of the families of 86 fishermen of Patuakhali, Bhola, Barguna and Pirojpur who were killed by robbers in the Bay in the last nine months, and steps to rescue 400 fishermen abducted by the robbers during the period.
Over 100 fishermen joined the programme that continued for an hour from 11:30am. They later submitted a memorandum to the prime minister through the deputy commissioner.
In the memo, the fishermen stated that 11 robber gangs swooped on at least 2,000 fishing trawlers in the last nine months since January and killed 86 fishermen. The gangs also abducted around 400 fishermen from the Bay for ransom during the period.
They demanded that the authorities concerned take immediate steps to rescue the abducted fishermen from robbers' dens in the Sundarbans.
Receiving the memorandum, Deputy Commissioner Amitabh Sarker said they will take all necessary measures to ensure security of fishermen in the Bay.
Contacted, Md Kamal Uddin, coastguard commander in Patuakhali, said they cannot act promptly due to lack of vessel and adequate manpower. “Only six men are working in Patuakhali office,” the commander said.
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