Rights groups on Monday demanded abolishment of the existing leasing system at Haor region, saying it is hurting the rights of its real fishermen and its ecosystem.
"Corrupt-practices in the existing leasing system at Haor areas is not only creating adverse impact on the livelihood of fishermen and people but also affecting fatally on environment and biodiversity," Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) Coordinator Syed Ali Biswas said.
To this effect, they urged the government to make proper and alternative fisheries management system and enhance monitoring to ensure the rights of its real fishermen and people at the areas.
Their calls came at a roundtable titled 'Leasing system at Haor and fisheries management' at the Jatiya Press Club in the city.
Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) and BARCIK organised the roundtable.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Md Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru spoke at the function as the chief guest with Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Poba) chairman Abu Naser Khan in the chair.
Director (Inland Fisheries) of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) Kazi Shams Afroz, and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) ex-director Syed Monowar Hossain, among others, were present at the function.
BARCIK coordinator Mr Biswas also presented a keynote paper.
Speaking at the function, Mr Ashraf said there will be no fishes at the Haor if the leasing system is scrapped.
The control will be lost and chaotic atmosphere will be created at the Haor areas if the existing system is withdrawn, he said.
Terming the country as self-sufficient and surplus in fisheries sector, the state minister said real fishermen can take the lease of wetlands through strengthening their associations.
Mr Abu Naser put emphasis on launching movement which can ensure the true rights of Haor people.
Ms Afroz stressed the need for infrastructure development at the Haor and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Concerted efforts are needed to this end, she added.
Terming the leasing system 'colonial', Mr Monowar Hossain said overfishing must put an end at the Haor areas for greater interest of Haor people.
Mr Biswas said excessive fishing, use of 'current jal' (fishing net), insecticides and poison at Haor are ruining the eco-system fatally.
Suvash Chandra Das, a fisherman from Netrokona, said the real fishermen are passing tough time and losing their livelihoods due to the corrupt practices in Haor.
Unreal fishermen, who are basically influenced by political clout, are grabbing their livelihood, he claimed.
Some 28.5 per cent of people in the country's Haor areas are unemployed, according to a study.
Biodiversity and ecosystem researcher Pavel Partha moderated the programme.
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