Dhaka, Oct. 16 -- COAST Foundation organised a national press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity titled "Not Just Imposing Fishing Ban, We Demand Safe Alternative Livelihoods to Ensure Equitable Support for Small-scale Fishers."
Speakers expressed concern over the decline of Hilsa catch, delays in support distribution, recurring natural disasters, lack of alternative income, biodiversity degradation, privatization of fishing zones, and rising informal debt bondage, which have trapped fisher communities in deep socioeconomic hardship. They urged the government to ensure timely support and expand IGA (Income Generating Activities) programs for small-scale fishers, especially women and youth, alongside transparent selection and distribut...