A daylong workshop in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday amplified the urgent safety challenges faced by Bangladesh’s coastal fisherfolk and called for coordinated reforms to ensure ‘Safe Seas, Secure Life.’
Organised by Ocean Centres Bangladesh, the event titled ‘Voices of the Unheard’ brought together fishing community members, government officials and marine experts to highlight the life-threatening risks endured by those working at sea, said a press release.Â
For nearly three hours, fishermen shared gripping testimonies of navigating sudden cyclones without proper early warnings, operating overcrowded or poorly maintained boats, and venturing out without basic safety gear such as life jackets, signal lights or flotation devices.
The absence of VHF radios and GPS systems leaves fishers dangerously isolated during emergencies, while injuries at sea often go untreated due to the lack of first-aid supplies and training.
Onshore, unsafe jetties, unhygienic landing stations, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation compound their hardships.
A high-level panel, including Commodore Mohammad Abdur Razzak (retired), country lead, Ocean Centres Bangladesh, Sujoy Paul, senor fisheries officer Cox’s Bazar, Shafiqur Rahman, principal scientific officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Lieutenant Md Salman Bin Skhawkat, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Commodore Syed Ariful Islam, president, Marine Fishers Academy, discussed urgent steps such as strengthening early warning systems, mandating safety equipment on vessels, improving communication facilities and ensuring first-aid and sanitation services at landing centres.
Speakers also stressed the need for social protection schemes and insurance coverage for fishing communities.