With the aim of conserving indigenous fish and snail species and creating alternative employment for marginal fishermen, 60 Bakna calves have been distributed among 60 registered fishermen in Kotalipara, Gopalganj. This is a new ray of hope for the marginal fishermen of the upazila.
This initiative by the government has brought smiles of relief to the faces of the marginal fishermen of Kotalipara. They are dreaming of new dreams in the hope of positive changes in both areas – livelihood and biodiversity.
On Saturday (June 20) afternoon, these Bakna calves were distributed under the Native Fish and Snail Conservation and Development Project at the Kotalipara Government Adarsh College ground in a joint arrangement between the Upazila Administration and the Upazila Fisheries Department.
The event was chaired by Upazila Executive Officer Sagufta Haque and was attended by Saiful Islam Pavel, Deputy Director of the Native Species Fish and Snail Conservation Project, as the chief guest.
The event was moderated by Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer SM Shahjahan Siraj and addressed by Upazila Engineer Shafiul Azam, Upazila BNP General Secretary Abul Basar Howlader, Municipal BNP President Yusuf Ali Daria, and General Secretary Waliur Rahman Howlader.
Beneficiary fishermen and officials and employees of various departments were present at the event.
The speakers at the event said that native species of fish and snails in the country’s natural water bodies are under threat today. Due to the use of illegal and harmful ‘China nets’, small fish and fry are being killed, which is seriously harmful to aquatic biodiversity. At the same time, indiscriminate snail harvesting is destroying the balance of the aquatic environment. In this situation, it is very important to create alternative income opportunities along with awareness among fishermen.
Saiful Islam Pavel, Deputy Director of the Native Fish and Snail Conservation Project, said, “The unbridled use of Chinese nets in natural water bodies is a big threat to native fish. Everyone must abide by the law to protect biodiversity. If fish are harvested following the time and restrictions set by the government, it will be possible to sustain our aquatic resources for a long time.”
Upazila Executive Officer Sagufta Haque said, “Alternative employment opportunities have been created to protect the livelihood of fishermen. If they raise cattle, they will get regular income. This will make it easier to refrain from fishing during the fish breeding season and the tendency to obey the law will also increase.”
Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer SM Shahjahan Siraj said, a list of beneficiaries has been prepared after verification and selection through the Fisheries Department and public representatives. In the past, it was seen that some people took cows and sold them. Therefore, this time the matter has been kept under strict surveillance. If anyone sells the distributed cows, legal action will be taken against them.
The beneficiary fishermen have expressed their satisfaction with receiving the Bakna calf. They said that it is very difficult for them to run their families if fishing is stopped at certain times of the year. Now, additional income opportunities will be created through raising cattle and selling milk and calf. This will reduce dependence on fishing and improve the financial condition of the family.
According to the Upazila Fisheries Office, such assistance will be provided to more registered fishermen in phases. In addition, awareness activities, surveillance and law enforcement will be further strengthened to conserve indigenous species of fish and snails.