Fishermen demand fishery ghat’s security in Hatia

Sayed Ahmed, Hatia (Noakhali)

The traders and fishermen community formed a human chain at the Kazir Bazar fishery ghat in Hatia Upazila of the district on Sunday afternoon to protest against the confusion over the source of livelihood of fishermen and traders of Kazir Bazar and demanding the cooperation of the administration in the security of the fish ghat.

Fish traders Osman Gani, Nazim Uddin and Nasir Uddin and fishermen from the community Priyolal Majhi, Bhishmer Jaldas and Malti Bala Jaldas among others spoke at the programme.

The speakers in the mile-long human chain on the Kazir Bazar embankment said, “We have been involved in fishing and business in this area for ages. This fish ghat is related to our livelihood. Some land was being given for the development and beautification of the ghat, but an unscrupulous group is obstructing it. The gang is misleading the administration by spreading various lies against this ghat. For this, we seek the cooperation of the upazila and police station administration.”

In the human chain, Bhishmer Jaldas said, “If we cannot do business at this ghat, where will we go?”

Priyolal Majhi said, “Eighty percent of the people here are fishermen, we want the cooperation of the administration so that we can do fishing business safely and together.”

Nasir Uddin said, “Some outside extortionists are trying to close this ghat. We want the government’s cooperation.”

Nazim Uddin said, “About five to six thousand people have taken to the streets today for their livelihood needs. Outsiders who are not involved in this ghat in any way are against this ghat and misleading the administration. We want the cooperation of the administration.”