By Shahidul Islam from Rajshahi
Fisherfolk in the Barind region have demanded a nationwide ban on the use of China Duari Nets and other harmful foreign fishing gears to protect native fish species, aquatic biodiversity, and the livelihoods of traditional fishing communities.
A human chain was organized at Saheb Bazar Zero Point in Rajshahi by the Green Coalition and BARCIK recently. After the event, participants submitted a memorandum to the Honorable Advisor of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Government of Bangladesh.
Fishermen gathered with their traditional fishing tools that include khora jal, britti, polo, dhundi, balcha jal, chhai, binuki, chungi, kholoi, kata phand, bash pachha, and others that symbolize their appeal to save indigenous fishing methods and stop the use of China Duari nets.
During the event, Md. Shahidul Islam, researcher and regional coordinator of BARCIK, presented findings from field studies in the Barind area. He mentioned that almost all rivers, canals, and wetlands in Rajshahi are affected by the use of China Duari nets and chemical lures most of which are imported from China. These nets, with their ultra-fine mesh, trap fish fry and small aquatic life indiscriminately, leading to the depletion of fish stocks and biodiversity. He said that despite the Fisheries Conservation Act prohibiting nets with mesh sizes below 4.5 centimeters, China Duari and similar fine nets are being openly used in Rajshahi’s rivers and wetlands.
Participating the event local fisher Md. Jahangir Alam, President of the Gokul-Mathura Fishermen’s Cooperative, said, “Our Bilkumari wetland once had many native fish species and now they are gone; even during fishing seasons, we barely catch anything.”
Elderly local resident Afaz Uddin Kabiraj recited a poem listing extinct fish species from Bilkumari and urged an immediate ban on China Duari nets.
Mahbub Siddiqui, Convenor of the Green Coalition Rajshahi, said, “Although the fisheries law exists, there is no effective field-level enforcement. The import, production, and factories of China Duari nets must be shut down immediately.”
The rally was conducted by Atiqur Rahman Atiq, Joint General Secretary of the Barind Youth Forum and Secretary of Youth Action for Social Change (YASC). Other speakers included Abu Sama, General Secretary of Nowhata Fishermen’s Cooperative (Paba Upazila); fisherman Raghunath Halder; Samrat Raihan, Executive Director of Social Welfare Organization; Upen Robidas, President of the Indigenous Youth Council; and Mahmud Jamal Qaderi, Convenor of July 36 Council.
Following the event, a five-point memorandum was submitted through the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner to the Honorable Advisor of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, demanding the ban of China Duari nets and other environmentally destructive fishing tools. The demands include:
- Enforce a complete ban and confiscation of China Duari fishing nets and similar harmful nets nationwide particularly in the Barind region, including Rajshahi, Natore, Chapainawabganj, the Padma River, and small tributaries.
- Impose strict legal action against illegal fishing gear and chemical traders, including those involved in production, import, and marketing of fine nets.
- Provide alternative livelihood support, training, and seasonal incentives for local fishing communities.
- Abolish the current lease system for rivers, canals, and wetlands, and allow genuine fisher communities to sustainably manage and harvest fish resources.
- Ensure social protection, ration support, and seasonal compensation for traditional fisherfolk, in recognition of their cultural and ecological contribution.
