Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has distributed sewing machines and other support materials among fishers in Rauzan, creating new hopes for alternative income opportunities beyond fishing in a bid to reduce financial hardship among fishing families along the Halda River.
For many families living on the banks of the Halda River in Chattogram’s Rauzan upazila, life often revolves around uncertainty. On days when fish are scarce, many struggle even to afford daily meals.
To help ease that burden, the district administration distributed sewing machines, sewing stands, chairs and dry irons among 75 fishers under an initiative aimed at creating alternative livelihood opportunities for the Halda fishing community.
The programme, organised by the Rauzan Upazila Administration, also distributed educational materials among 75 students from 15 educational institutions and provided Tk 50,000 in one-time financial assistance to 21 underprivileged beneficiaries.
Speaking at the programme, DC Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian stressed the importance of adapting to changing times and creating sustainable opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
“The world is changing, technology is changing, and society is progressing. We must adapt to these changes and create opportunities for people to improve their lives,” he said.
The initiative has brought renewed optimism among many fishing families who depend solely on seasonal fish catches for survival.
Mridul Barua, one of the beneficiaries, said the sewing machine would create a new income opportunity for his family.
“The DC sir gave us a new sewing machine. I want my daughter and daughter-in-law to receive sewing training. If they can work from home, it will create extra income for our family,” he said.
His daughter-in-law, Sharmila Barua, said it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a family through fishing alone.
“It is very difficult to run a family depending only on fish. If I learn sewing, I can make clothes for our family and also work for others. That could help reduce some of our financial struggles,” she said.
Another fisherman, Pradip Jaldas, described the severe financial difficulties faced by many fishing families.
“When we cannot catch fish, sometimes we don't even have money to buy rice,” he said.
He added that his daughter had already received sewing training and the newly gifted machine would now allow her to work from home and contribute financially to the family.
Linkon Barua also shared similar feelings, saying his father had long been unable to afford a sewing machine for his sister Tinni Barua despite her completing sewing training earlier.
“My father could not afford to buy a sewing machine for my sister. Receiving one from the DC sir has been a huge help for us,” he said.
For many families along the Halda River, the support represented more than assistance " it symbolised the possibility of a more secure and self-reliant future.
