No relief for Khulna’s coastal fishermen as Sundarbans reopen

The Sundarbans reopened to fishermen and tourists on 1 September after a three-month government ban, but persistent rain, neap tides and extortion by forest pirates have kept many coastal fishermen from returning to the forest for their livelihoods.
“I had been waiting for the day when the ban on entering the reserved Sundarbans would end. After three long months, I finally got permission to enter the forest. But because of several days of rain, neap tides and my inability to arrange the money demanded as extortion by forest pirates, I could not go to the Sundarbans despite obtaining permission.
“I had hoped to bring smiles to my family’s faces, but that did not happen,” said Alamin Sheikh, a fisherman from Area No 6 of Koyra upazila in Khulna, describing his hardships.
Like Alamin, many fishermen have obtained permission but have been unable to enter the Sundarbans. Many others have not even applied for permission.
Fishermen said continuous rain, neap tides and rampant piracy have prevented many from entering the forest despite obtaining permits, prolonging their financial hardship after the three-month closure.
Amjed Gazi was fishing in a river near Kashiyabad Forest Station in Koyra upazila. His family depends on fishing for its livelihood.
Describing his struggle to survive during the three-month ban, he said, “If I cannot catch fish now, my family will not survive. That is why I have come to the river. I have not caught many fish yet. I have not entered the forest because the neap tide is continuing. I am preparing to enter the forest on the high tide next Sunday. I will collect my permit on Saturday.”
Abdul Majid Dhali, a fisherman from South Bedkashi, said, “There was no source of income for three months. This time, I plan to repay the debts I owe to shopkeepers by catching fish and crabs. We have taken permission to enter the forest carrying the burden of debt on our heads. We are short of some money to arrange the extortion demanded by the pirates, and the neap tide is another reason we have not yet been able to enter the Sundarbans. God willing, we hope to go to the forest on Saturday or Sunday.”

According to the Forest Department, 2,717 registered Boat License Certificates (BLCs) are in the Khulna Range of the Western Sundarbans. So far, 680 fishermen have obtained permits.
In the Satkhira Range, there are 2,900 registered BLCs, while 790 fishermen have obtained permits so far
Nasir Uddin, an official at Kashiyabad Forest Station, said 884 BLCs are registered with the station. As of noon on Thursday, 342 fishermen had obtained permits.
“It has been raining for several days. Neap tides have prevailed in the rivers since the day the permits were issued. That is why many have not yet obtained permits. Many who have obtained permits are making preparations to enter the Sundarbans during the next high tide,” he said.
Usually, two to three fishermen travel in each boat, entering different rivers and canals of the Sundarbans in phases.
Meanwhile, tourism has also resumed in the Sundarbans.
According to the Tour Operators Association of Sundarbans (TOAS), the organisation currently has 75 vessels.
Mohammad Moinul Islam Zowarddar, president of the organisation, said, “From the first day until Thursday, 10 launches carrying 310 tourists have departed from Khulna for the Sundarbans. If the weather remains favourable, the number of tourists will increase further.”
AZM Hasanur Rahman, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans West Forest Division, said regular monitoring had been conducted during the ban.
“As a result, the breeding of fish and the forest’s flora, fauna and overall ecosystem have improved,” he said.
He said all necessary arrangements had been made for tourists to visit the Sundarbans and that tourist spots had been cleaned and maintained.
He added that, considering the safety of tourists and forest-dependent people, camps and stations in the Sundarbans had been instructed to remain vigilant.
“Action is being taken whenever information about forest outlaws is received. Regular monitoring is continuing through coordination between the Coast Guard and the Forest Department to protect the Sundarbans,” he said.
He said responsible behaviour by tourists, fishermen and forest-dependent people is essential for protecting the biodiversity of the Sundarbans.
“Any activity that harms the environment or wildlife will be dealt with strictly,” he said.