ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to assess the socio-economic conditions of fishermen communities of three villages at Ashulia Union, Savar, Dhaka. The three villages are in the bank of Turag River area, Ashulia, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected by using well-structured questionnaire from selected study area. The study revealed that most of the fishermen were belong to the 30-45 age groups (35%) at Rostampur, 45-55 age groups in Noapara and Paragram. Majority of the fishermen of three villages were Hindus. Most of the fishermen were illiterate (53%). Primary up to class I-V (20%) class VI-X (5%), can sign only (22%). On the other hand, professional fishermen were 80%, occasional were 20%. Subsistence was 0%. It was also revealed from the study that 100% used sanitary latrine and 90% went to municipality doctors for their treatment and 50% fishermen monthly income were up to 12 thousand. The socioeconomic conditions of fishing community of the three villages were not satisfactory at all. Majority of fishermen does not get any kind of help from the government there were not any kinds of alternative employment facilities for the fishermen of three villages. Quality of water of Turag River rapidly threatens for urbanizing Dhaka city. Particularly, the Turag River, flowing along periphery of the most polluted rivers in the world. So, water was not suitable for have consumption or for fish. The poor condition of Turag River due to human intervention such as channel moody fiction, river encroachment, discharge of municipal and industry sewerage etc. Polluted water of Turag creates problems of on fishery resources. Therefore, the fishing community has tended to break down under these Pressures from the above background. We were trying to analysis socio-economic condition challenges, environment impact upon of fishermen community of three villages at Ashulia Union, Savar, Dhaka. So the sample sites were three villages of Ashulia Union, Dhaka.
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Fishermen are one of the most important communities in Bangladesh. Because fisheries sector in Bangladesh represents as one of the most productive and dynamic sectors in this country. About 0.8 million people of the country directly involved in fisheries, (2003) but it is fact that fishermen and fishing communities‘ socio-economic condition are not so good. So, they are the disadvantaged group of Bangladesh (Hossain et. al. 1997). Most of the fishers live below the poverty line and most work in terms as fishers or labor. In Bangladesh fisheries sector plays an important role in food consumption, nutrition, employment and export. This sector contributes more than 2.43% of Bangladesh‘s GDP and it creates job opportunities of 1.4 million people (2006-07). About 12 million people of the directly or indirectly involved in fisheries and other ancillary activities (2013), FY 2022-2023 (BER-2023). In the globe, fish provides the best protein food in essential macro and micro nutrient vitamins and minerals. Bangladesh is virtually the only drainage outlet for a vast complese reiver basin made up of the Ganges local name Padma, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna Rivers and their network of tributaries. The alluvial soil deposited by these rivers every year has created some or the most fertile plains in the world. Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by heavy seasonal rainfall, high temperatures and high windily.
There are three broad physiographic regions in the Coventry. It is a country dominated by wetland having more than 50%. Its territory under three wetlands that is fresh water marshes, swaups, rivers estuaries and the world‘s largest forest the Sundarbans. Bangladesh has a total inland water area of 6.7 million hector of which 94% is used for open water capture fishery and 6% for closed water culture fishery resources have been playing a significant role in the economy, culture and tradition and food habit of the people of Bangladesh. Rivers and their ramified branches cover about 4, 79,735 hector area of land. Seasonal flood plain expands over a massive 5.5 million hector for 4-6 months of the year. Fish and fishery resources are vital for improving the socioeconomic conditions of fishermen and those involved in related businesses in Bangladesh. These resources play a crucial role in combating malnutrition, earning foreign currency, and creating employment opportunities.
The country is blessed with extensive water bodies, including rivers, canals, haors, beels, ponds, seasonally flooded areas, and the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh's subtropical location and diverse aquatic ecosystems support a rich variety of freshwater fish species, comprising 260 indigenous, 12 exotic, and 24 freshwater prawn species (DoF, 2008). Fisheries contribute approximately 58% of the animal protein in the daily diet of Bangladeshis (DoF, 2008), highlighting their importance in food security. Despite the abundance of resources, per capita fish consumption has declined over the years, from 32g in the 1960s to 20g in the 1980s (FAO, 1985). However, fish production has seen significant growth in recent years. In 2009–2010, total fisheries production reached 2,899,198 metric tons, with inland fisheries accounting for 80% and marine fisheries for 20% (DoF, 2010). Nevertheless, the per capita availability of fish remains below the minimum annual requirement of 18 kg. The fishermen of the Turag River in Dhaka rely solely on fishing for their livelihood, and their socio-economic conditions are deteriorating. This study focuses on the socio-economic patterns of fishermen in Ashulia, Dhaka, particularly examining their challenges and opportunities. During periods of waterlogging, the fishery, agriculture, and socio-economic structures of the area collapse, leaving many landless and financially unstable.
However, recent practices like pen culture and creek culture have emerged, altering the dynamics of capture fishery and socio-economic conditions. Despite these changes, fishermen remain one of the most vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, with many living below the poverty line. Their average annual per capita income is significantly lower than the national average, as estimated by Alam and Bashar (1995) at BDT 2,442—about 70% lower than the national figure. Fishermen face numerous constraints, including economic, social, and technical barriers. They lack alternative income sources during off-seasons and often work as laborers for wealthier fishers who own boats and nets. Their isolated communities lack modern amenities and access to development programs. Approximately 12 million people in Bangladesh are directly or indirectly involved in fisheries (DoF, 2013), yet the socio-economic development of these communities remains negligible. Sustainable livelihood approaches, as proposed by Chambers and Conway (1992) and DFID (1999), emphasize the need to enhance resilience and reduce poverty by leveraging capital assets within the external environment. However, fishermen villages, often located in inaccessible areas, suffer from low developmental impact and limited communication systems (Hossain et al., 1997).
The Turag River fishery plays a critical role in alleviating rural poverty and providing food security to fishing communities. However, the livelihood status of these fishermen remains unsatisfactory. This study seeks to compile and analyze data on fish diversity and socio-economic conditions to inform targeted development initiatives. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, policymakers can design effective interventions to uplift these vulnerable communities. This study focuses on the fishermen communities along the Turag River in Ashulia, Dhaka, who represent some of the most vulnerable populations in Bangladesh. Their socio-economic conditions have been deteriorating due to various factors, including environmental changes, lack of alternative livelihoods, and systemic neglect. By examining their living conditions, fishing practices, and challenges, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of their situation and suggest pathways for sustainable development.
Research Team
Team Leader
Prof. Dr. Sayeda Akhter
Head, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Asian University of Bangladesh
Co-Researchers
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Fahmida Hossain
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology -
Mir Farjana Sharmin
Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology -
Muhammad Bayezid Husain
Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology -
Md. Ashif Hasan Razu
Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Anthropology