A significant awareness campaign was held in the Kamarjani area of Gaibandha to address the critical state of aquatic resources in the Brahmaputra River. Organized by the local 'Bondhusabha' on October 22, the meeting focused on the alarming rise of illegal fishing practices, specifically the use of electric currents and banned 'Chinese' nets, which are devastating the river's ecosystem.
During the discussion, experts and community leaders highlighted how these destructive methods are indiscriminately killing fish fry and small aquatic organisms, thereby disrupting the natural breeding cycle of the river's fish population. The participants emphasized that if these practices are not curbed immediately, the river faces a future of ecological collapse, which would directly threaten the livelihoods of thousands of local fishermen who depend on the Brahmaputra for their daily sustenance.
Speakers at the event urged the fishing community to strictly adhere to national fisheries laws and abandon the use of prohibited gear. It was noted that the river is not merely a source of food but a vital component of the local environment and cultural heritage. The dialogue served as a platform to educate the community on the long-term economic and environmental consequences of their current fishing habits.
Mehedi Hasan, President of the Gaibandha Bondhusabha, remarked that the river is a natural treasure and the primary lifeline for the local fishing community. He stressed that while legal enforcement is necessary, fostering a culture of conservation and awareness among the fishermen is the most sustainable path forward to protect the river's biodiversity.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge from the local fishermen to stop using harmful nets and electric fishing methods. The community also called upon the relevant government authorities to increase monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Brahmaputra River.
