Fisheries Advisor Faces Resistance from Local Fishermen in Jhenaidah

Jhenaidah Correspondent

Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar faced strong resistance from the local fishing community during her visit to Kotchandpur Government Baor in Jhenaidah on Tuesday.

The fishermen, protesting against the leasing system, demanded the return of the baor to the Halder community. The situation became tense as they raised slogans, prompting Akhtar to express her own frustration with the limitations of her ministry.

Speaking at a meeting with local fishermen and stakeholders, Akhtar said, “I am deeply troubled by the helplessness of our ministry. Despite being the ministry for fishermen, we have no control over haors and baors, which fall under the land ministry’s jurisdiction. They lease out these water bodies, and we are left pleading to reclaim them for our fishermen.”

She emphasized the principle of “water for those who live by water” and promised to work toward implementing it. Akhtar vowed to advocate for the return of baor ownership to the actual fishing communities, pledging to engage with the land ministry and other government bodies.

Earlier in the day, she visited Baluhar Baor, accompanied by Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal, Khetmajur Samiti President Fazlur Rahman, and Fisheries Department officials, including Internal Fisheries Officer Motaleb Hossain.