বাংলা | Epaper

বাংলা E-Paper 📍 Dhaka 📅 Wednesday | 14 October 2026, 29 Ashswin 1433 PID registration number 06

HEADLINE

● Sarjis used to sought favours of BCL leaders: Rashed Khan ● Spider-Man gets a street named after him ● LPG strike withdrawn following high-level meeting ● Nearly 15,000 passengers hit by Saudi flight cancellations ● 20 B'deshis killed in Russia-Ukraine war after being lured by jobs ● Traffic jam fears on Dhk-Ctg highway during Durga Puja ● No plan for special drive like Operation Clean Heart: Home Minister

Native fish face extinction as haor fishers lose livelihoods

Published : Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 at 6:13 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Netrokona’s haor wetlands, once rich in native fish, are facing a severe decline in fish stocks, forcing thousands of fishers to struggle for survival. Many are abandoning their ancestral profession due to continuous losses.

According to research organisation BARCIK, at least 115 native fish species were found in the region around 60 years ago. Of these, 29 have disappeared, while many remaining species face extinction threats.

Fishers in Madan, Mohanganj, Khaliajuri and Kalmakanda say their daily catches are no longer enough to cover boat, fuel and net repair costs. Many are falling into debt and switching to agricultural or daily wage labour.

The fish shortage has also affected local traders, forcing markets to rely more on commercially farmed fish.

Experts blame indiscriminate fishing, harmful fine-mesh nets, the destruction of fish eggs and fry, chemical poisoning and agricultural pesticides. Sedimentation, illegal occupation and shrinking water bodies have further damaged fish habitats.

Local environmental activist Ahidur Rahman warned that native fish could disappear permanently unless harmful fishing practices are stopped.

District Fisheries Officer Md Harun-or-Rashid said more fish sanctuaries are needed to protect native species. He added that proposals for new sanctuaries in Madan and Khaliajuri have been sent to higher authorities, while stronger enforcement is needed to protect fish habitats.

-AJM

Also read

Sharp weaponry gets two individuals detained in Gazipur

B'desh, Thailand discuss direct sea link between Ctg-Ranong ports

2 arrested with 206 bottles of codeine-based Phensedyl

Two arrested over alleged rape and murder of woman in Mongla

Unpaid workers block road , wages promised by Wednesday

Journalists allegedly assaulted after BNP clash

Traders block M'sing highway over internal feud

Bandarban-Thanchi bus services resume after suspension

Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], ‍[email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296

🔝