The government will ensure unrestricted access to all open waterbodies for genuine fishers to protect their livelihoods, particularly in the country's haor areas, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters at the Netrokona Circuit House, the state minister said the government is committed to establishing the rights of genuine fishers, said a press release.
"Guided by the principle of 'Jal Jaar, Jola Taar' (He who owns the net, owns the waterbody), we have ensured free access to open waterbodies so that genuine fishers can earn their livelihoods without obstruction while promoting the sustainable management of fisheries resources," he said.
Tuku said influential individuals had long controlled haors and other waterbodies through the leasing system, depriving ordinary fishers of access. The government has taken steps to remove those barriers, enabling genuine fishers and local residents to harvest fish and sustain their livelihoods, he added.
Highlighting the government's infrastructure initiatives, the state minister recalled the canal excavation programme launched by late president Ziaur Rahman. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has continued that legacy by undertaking different projects to re-excavate rivers and canals, improve navigability and ensure proper management of waterbodies.
According to him, canals and rivers across the country are currently being re-excavated under the programme.
He also said the government has taken effective measures to maintain river navigability, reduce waterlogging and make waterbodies more suitable for fish farming.
State Minister for Railway and Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid, MP; former state minister for home affairs and Netrokona-4 MP Lutfuzzaman Babar; senior officials of the district administration and police; and leaders of the BNP and its associate bodies were also present.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
