COAST Foundation has launched a new project to support fisherfolk communities in Teknaf who have been severely affected by the fishing ban in the Naf River. The project was introduced at a meeting held at the Teknaf Upazila Parishad Conference Room.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, presided over the meeting, while SK Ahsan Uddin, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, attended as the chief guest.
The event also saw the participation of government officials, local political leaders, fisherfolk representatives, women leaders, and journalists. Zahangir Alam, Assistant Director of COAST Foundation, moderated the meeting, reads a press release.
During the meeting, Tanjir Uddin Roni of COAST Foundation presented findings from a research study conducted after the fishing ban in the Naf River. The study revealed that over 3,000 fisherfolk families, who were primarily dependent on the river, are now struggling to make ends meet. According to the findings, 84 percent of fishing families relied solely on the Naf River for their livelihood, while only 23 percent received assistance from the government or local authorities. The research also highlighted that 90 percent of the fishermen surveyed experienced income reductions of 50 to 60 percent. The situation has forced 70 percent of fishermen to turn to alternative sources of income, such as daily labor, autorickshaw driving, farming, and small businesses. Many families have been compelled to borrow money at high interest rates or sell assets to survive. The study further emphasized the lack of female representation in the fishing sector, indicating gender inequality within the community.
Pintu Biswas of COAST Foundation outlined the objectives and activities of the new project, which aims to provide skill development training and climate-adaptive technologies to help fisherfolk households diversify their income. He explained that the project would offer financial assistance and establish market linkages to ensure fair prices for the produce of affected families. Funded by the international humanitarian organization Vitol Foundation, the initiative is designed to create sustainable livelihoods for the fisherfolk community.
Sameer Das, a fisherman representative of Hnila Union, said, "I am a fisherman of Hnila Union. I have been particularly affected by the ban on fishing in the Naf River. I am spending my days in great difficulty with my children. I hope that through this project I will be able to involve myself in income-generating activities and improve the financial condition of my family."
Women's leader Kulsuma Begum said, "Our situation was much better before fishing in the Naf River was banned. Now everyone is worried about the Rohingyas, but the people here are living in a very bad condition, which everyone should pay attention to our improvement." Shahidul Alam of the Department of Fisheries said, "The initiative taken by the COAST is very timely and suitable. I will provide my highest support if needed." I hope, the project staff will coordinate with the Department of Fisheries.
Touhid Belal, President of the Cox’s Bazar District Press Club, said the project would play a crucial role in supporting fisherfolk families and called for other NGOs to implement similar initiatives to alleviate poverty in the community. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, assured that the selection of 1,000 project beneficiaries would be conducted through a comprehensive survey, verified with the support of union and Upazila administrations. He sought cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
UNO SK Ahsan Uddin described the project as a significant step toward supporting affected fisherfolk households. He emphasized the importance of proper beneficiary selection and assured that the Upazila administration would provide all necessary assistance. He also revealed that high-level discussions are underway to restore fishing permits in the Naf River, expressing optimism for a positive outcome.
COAST Foundation and Vitol Foundation were thanked for their efforts, with hopes expressed for the successful implementation of the project.
