Fishermen in Shariatpur have to pay money to catch fish!

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Monir Hossain, Shariatpur
Published : 09:20, Sep 21, 2019 | Updated : 09:22, Sep 21, 2019

Poor fishermen have to pay extortion money to catch fish at the Meghna River in Goshairhat of Shariatpur.Poor fishermen have to pay extortion money to catch fish at the Meghna River in Goshairhat of Shariatpur. The Meghna flows over 20kms from Goshairhat’s Alaulpur Union to Nolmuri Union and there are 20-25 chars here. Around 700-800 fishermen earn their livelihood by fishing in these waters.
It’s alleged that led by a local called Nurul Islam Bepari, some people take Tk 5,000 from each fisherman every three months for the right to fish in this part of the river.
Unless the money is paid, no fisherman is permitted to fish; if anyone protests than his boat and fishing net are confiscated.
Poor fishermen have to pay extortion money to catch fish at the Meghna River in Goshairhat of Shariatpur.A fisherman laments: “We pay Tk 5,000 every three months and if a fisherman complains then he cannot catch fish anymore.”
Owning up his responsibility, Nurul Islam Bepari, says: “I have an agreement with char owners and took lease of the area for five years. Therefore, I take a rent from the fishermen. I take whatever they give me and never pressure them.”
District fisheries official Biswajit Bairagi, said: “The river is not anyone's personal property. Since the government owns it, fishermen can catch fish without any hindrance; steps will be taken against those who take money from fishermen.”

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