The Bay of Bengal is both a source of livelihood and constant danger for thousands of fishermen along the coast of Satkhira. They venture into deep waters to catch fish, risking storms, rough seas and pirate attacks. Yet despite contributing to the fisheries sector, many of these fishermen return home to poverty, debt and uncertainty.
The hardship intensifies during the government-imposed fishing ban from April 15 to June 11, introduced under the Marine Fisheries Rules-2023 to protect fish breeding and ensure sustainable marine resources. During this period, all forms of fishing by sea-going vessels are prohibited.
According to the Satkhira Fisheries Office, the district has around 49,000 registered fishermen, of whom nearly 12,889 are involved in deep-sea fishing. The highest numbers are from Shyamnagar upazila, followed by Assasuni and Tala. Registered fishermen are receiving government food support under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program, with each entitled to about 77 kilograms of rice during the ban period.
However, fisheries officials and local trawler owners estimate that more than 100,000 unregistered fishermen across Satkhira remain outside the government aid net. Many of them have spent years in the profession but are still excluded from government assistance.
As a result, fishing villages in Shyamnagar, Assasuni and Tala upazilas are facing severe economic hardship. Boats remain tied at riverbanks while unemployed fishermen struggle to provide for their families.
“We spend almost five months a year in deep-sea areas like Dublar Char,” said Shahjahan Sardar, a fisherman from Pratapnagar in Assasuni. “Whatever fish we catch—including pomfret, loittya, ribbon fish and bhola—is dried and sold in markets. But even after a full season, we still depend on loans and advance payments to survive.”
He further said piracy in the Bay of Bengal has become one of the fishermen’s biggest fears. “Compared to previous years, pirate attacks have increased significantly. If piracy could be controlled, we would be able to work more safely,” he added.
Another fisherman, Azgar Ali from Shyamnagar, said that the government’s rice support provides only temporary relief. “Rice alone cannot feed a family for two months,” he said.
Touhid Hossain, another fisherman, said fishermen often fail to receive fair prices for their catch despite risking their lives at sea. “When we return home, there is no work for us. We also need money for vegetables, oil and medicines. Every day is a struggle,” he added.
Human rights activist Madhab Dutta called for expanded government support, including cash assistance ranging from Tk5,000 to Tk10,000 per family during the fishing ban. He also emphasized the need for alternative employment opportunities in coastal areas.
Local representatives say pirate gangs continue to abduct fishermen in deep waters and demand large ransoms for their release, further increasing insecurity among fishermen.
Satkhira District Fisheries Officer GM Selim acknowledged the limitations of current assistance programs. He said proposals have been submitted to include essentials such as lentils, cooking oil and potatoes alongside rice distributions.
He added that the government is also considering alternative programs and plans to gradually bring more unregistered fishermen under its support schemes in the future.