Families of fishermen in Bhola are facing severe hardship as missing and deceased fishermen from river accidents receive little to no institutional support, leaving dependents in financial and emotional distress.
In one case, 32-year-old fisherman Mizan from ward no. 7 of Hazariganj union of Charfesson upazila has been missing for six months after going fishing in the river. Despite extensive searching, no trace of him has been found and his family believes he may have died. His wife, Rozina, is now raising their three children alone amid extreme poverty.
With no stable income, the family survives on loans and irregular help from relatives and neighbours.
Rozina said she has not received any government assistance since her husband went missing, while her eldest daughter, 13-year-old Fatema and two younger children remain uncertain about their future.
In another incident on April 11, fisherman Jasim, son of late Jahangir from ward no. 7 of Ahammadpur union, died after going missing in the Tetulia River while fishing alone at night. His body was recovered two days later from the riverbank. He was the sole breadwinner of his family, leaving behind three children and his wife, Ruma, in deep financial crisis.
Local residents said Jasim went fishing as usual that night but never returned home, prompting a search that ended in tragedy.
Upazila Social Service Officer Mamun Hossain said that the family would be visited and assistance would be arranged through Department of Social Services.
Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Jayanta Kumar Apu noted that financial support from the government is possible if the missing fisherman had a valid fishing registration card, adding that such documentation is required for assistance.
Meanwhile, Bhola District Television Journalists Association President Junnu Raihan said that hundreds of thousands of fishermen like Jasim and Mizan are still without fishing cards.
He questioned whether they are being denied recognition as fishermen despite their occupation, while alleging that some non-fishermen have managed to obtain cards and access government benefits.
He called for all genuine fishermen to be brought under proper registration to ensure fair access to state support.
SF/SH
