Magura fishermen get new lease of life

MAGURA, Feb 18: Magura fishermen have gotten a taste of new life.

History tells, this district was named Magura as abundant Magur fishes were produced here. The district holds vast water bodies which could be a huge resource for the fishermen. Unfortunately fishermen in the district were lagging behind in using the resources.

In this situation LMERFMFFCB (Living on the Margin Enhance Rights and Freedom Marginalized Fisherfolk Community in Bangladesh) project run by Rova Foundation with the financial support of Manusher Jonnyo Foundation came as a boon for the fishermen in 2013. Within 2 years the project has raised hope among 446 marginal fishermen of the 3 upazilas Magura sadar, Shalikha and Mohammadpur of the district.

Rova sources tells, earlier potential waterbodies of the district were under the occupation of the influential people rather than fishermen. But at present fishermen of the 3 upazilas are awakened with hope and aspiration as 9 potential waterbodies of the 3 upazilas are now under their occupation. District and upazila administration sanctioned lease of the waterbodies through tender. Under this process he who offers the highest amount of money gets the lease of the waterbody. But fishermen could not avail themselves to this opportunity for want of money. Consequently influentials instead of fisherman gripped the lease of the waterbody. LMERFMFFCB project took two steps in this regard. The steps are respectively forming cooperative society including fishermen and sanctioning interest free loan for the cooperative societies. Fishermen through cooperative society and with the financial support by the project won over the tender.

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