Govt to open Haor fishing access for genuine fishers: Tuku

The government has pledged to ensure unrestricted access to open water bodies for genuine fishers in an effort to safeguard livelihoods, particularly in Bangladesh’s haor regions, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has said.

Speaking to reporters at the Netrokona Circuit House on Friday, the minister said, "The administration was committed to protecting the rights of traditional fishing communities by allowing them to use rivers, canals and other public water bodies without unnecessary restrictions.”

He also said, "The policy is guided by the principle of ‘Jal Jaar, Jola Taar’, a Bengali phrase that reflects the belief that those who depend on fishing for their livelihood should have the right to access the water.”

According to the minister, the move is intended not only to support fishing communities but also to encourage the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources.

Tuku stated, "For many years influential groups had gained control over haors and other waterbodies through the leasing system, limiting access for local fishers.”

The government, he added, has taken steps to remove those obstacles so that genuine fishers and local residents can harvest fish and earn a living without interference.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to restore rivers and canals across Bangladesh.

Referring to a canal excavation programme introduced during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman, Tuku added, "The current government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has continued similar initiatives by launching projects to re-excavate rivers and waterways.”

“The restoration work is aimed at improving river navigability, reducing waterlogging and creating better conditions for fisheries and aquaculture across the country,” he further added.

The minister continued that re-excavation projects are currently underway in different parts of Bangladesh as part of broader efforts to improve water management and strengthen the fisheries sector.

Also present during the briefing were state minister for railway and road transport and bridges Habibur Rashid; former state minister for home affairs Lutfuzzaman Babar; senior district administration and police officials; as well as leaders of the BNP and its affiliated organisations.