When fishermen cannot fish

Several fishing villages in Barishal did not take part in the usual Eid festivities like most parts of the country. It was like any other day, a day of struggle and hardship. Fishermen who have been in this profession for generations were barred from throwing their nets into the river to fish because of a government ban to preserve jatka Ilish. Despite the good intention of the ban, it had a debilitating effect on many fishermen of this area as fishing is their only livelihood. For them a day of not being able to fish often means going hungry. Although the government has a rehabilitation programme for fishermen and their families which distributes rice among them, many of them have not received this assistance or received it inadequately. This has left a pall of gloom on these villages, especially on Eid day as many of these fisherfolk could not afford to buy new clothes for their children and eat a special meal as is customary during this occasion.

Fishermen in this country provide us with one of the main sources of protein and other essential nutrients, not to mention allows us to continue to enjoy our traditional fish-based cuisine. They should be supported in every way possible during such lean periods when they are forced to refrain from engaging in the only livelihood they know. Rice given by the government must be distributed equitably and in adequate amounts. Other income generating activities during the ban period should be initiated to tie them over during this difficult period. We hope the government will take immediate steps to help these fisher communities who play such a crucial role in feeding us.