The ban, which began on April 15 and will continue until June 12, is intended to allow marine fish stocks to regenerate. But with no alternative income sources, many fishermen are struggling to survive.

According to the government’s relief plan, each affected fisherman is supposed to receive 86 kg of rice, split into two phases: 56 kg in the first phase and 30 kg in the second. However, as of May 14, the rice has yet to reach the majority of the fishermen in Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, Chakaria, and Pekua upazilas.

“We are barely surviving. Some families are going half-fed or completely without food,” said Rahim Uddin, a fisherman from Kutubjum Union, Maheshkhali.

The crisis is worse in Teknaf, where at least 12,000 fishermen families haven’t received their food aid. The situation is also grim in Maheshkhali, where out of 28,000 fishermen, 15,832 are registered but none have received their share of rice yet.

Md Badruzzaman, Cox’s Bazar District Fisheries Officer, confirmed the delay. “The government rice has not arrived yet. Once we receive it, we’ll start immediate distribution.”

Multiple Challenges Compound the Crisis

Aside from the seasonal ban, fishermen have faced months of hardship due to natural disasters, rough seas, and growing threats from the Myanmar-based Arakan Army. Over 200 Bangladeshi fishermen have been kidnapped in recent months, including 23 just days before the fishing ban began.

Md Abul Kalam, General Secretary of the Teknaf Fishing Boat Owners’ Association, stated, “Many fishermen live in fear. Even before the ban, they couldn’t fish safely due to kidnapping threats.”

Trawler owners like Abdul Amin of Shahparir Dwip, and union representatives such as Abdul Mannan, say the lack of food aid has left entire communities desperate. “These families rely solely on fishing. No income means no food.”

A Call for Urgent Action

There are more than 128,000 fishermen working on approximately 6,000 small and large trawlers in Cox’s Bazar district, according to the local fishing boat owners’ association. 90% of them had already been struggling before the ban due to weather-related disruptions and hostile conditions at sea.

With no aid yet delivered, their situation grows more desperate by the day.

As Bangladesh works to protect marine resources through temporary bans, stakeholders are urging the government to ensure timely delivery of promised aid to help these communities survive the fishing off-season.

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By equipping these 350 fishermen with their own tools, this initiative empowers them to regain control over their livelihoods, which have often been at the mercy of financial limitations. To cater to the diverse needs of the beneficiary group, the project includes the provision of two different types of boats: large engine-powered boats and small boats, along with accompanying nets.

The donation of 10 large engine-powered boats and nets plays a crucial role in enabling deep-sea fishing and enhancing the catch of Hilsha fish. These larger boats open up new opportunities for the fishermen, allowing them to explore richer fishing grounds and improve their catch.

Furthermore, 50 small boats and nets will be distributed to cater to the specific needs of fishing within the intricate mangrove forest area. These small boats are essential for capturing white fish and will provide the fishermen with a diverse range of fishing options.

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, emphasized the challenges faced by communities in the Sundarbans, including poverty and limited access to essential resources. Fishermen in these areas often struggle to make ends meet, burdened by the costs of fishing equipment and prohibitively expensive loans.

Bijoy stated, “To enhance participation across these communities, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is proud to provide 350 fishermen with access to 60 boats and nets. This initiative will go a long way to emancipate them from the shackles of prohibitively expensive loans and offer them greater financial independence.”

The partnership between Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC signifies a pioneering agreement to drive sustainable change in the Sundarbans. The memorandum of understanding was officially signed by Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, underlining the commitment to improving the lives of Sundarbans fishermen.

This collaborative effort by Standard Chartered Bangladesh and BRAC not only promises a brighter future for the fishermen of the Sundarbans but also sets an example of corporate social responsibility and environmental preservation. By focusing on the empowerment of local communities, this initiative brings hope and opportunities to those who depend on the bounties of the Sundarbans for their livelihoods.

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