This empirical study explores the livelihood patterns of the boatmen community residing and working in the adjacent areas of the Buriganga River, specifically focusing on Kulamura Ghat in Kamrangichar, Dhaka City. The Buriganga River is a lifeline for many marginalized groups, and the boatmen represent a significant portion of the informal labor force. This research examines their socio-economic conditions, including income levels, housing, health facilities, and educational opportunities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study identifies that the boatmen face severe challenges such as water pollution, seasonal income fluctuations, and a lack of social security. Despite these hardships, the community maintains a unique socio-cultural identity tied to the river. The findings reveal a high dependency on traditional skills with limited transition to other modern occupations. The research suggests that targeted government interventions and NGO support are essential to improve their quality of life, provide better healthcare, and ensure sustainable livelihood strategies for this vulnerable riverine community in the urban heart of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Boatmen Community, Livelihood Pattern, Buriganga River, Kamrangichar, Socio-economic Study.