Government assistance meant for fishermen has allegedly been taken by non-fishers in Charjanajat area of Shibchar Upazila, while many genuine fishermen who have depended on the Padma River for years remain excluded from the benefit list.
Local fishermen alleged that several people who do not work in fishing have obtained fishermen cards and are receiving government support during fishing bans and periods of income loss. Meanwhile, many professional fishermen have failed to get the cards despite repeated applications.
Charjanajat, surrounded by river chars, relies heavily on fishing as a source of livelihood. Fishermen said their income stops during fish conservation periods, making government assistance crucial for their families.
Rakib, a local fisherman, said his father was also a professional fisherman but never received a fishermen card. “After my father’s death, I continued the same profession but still remain outside the government support system,” he said.
Another fisherman said he had been catching fish for 18 years but never received a card. Fisherman Rahim Madbar alleged that he submitted photographs and citizenship certificates several times through a local representative, but his name was never included in the list.
In another case, a fisherman claimed he was removed from the benefit list after being mistakenly recorded as “dead” in official documents. He said he discovered the error after checking government records.
Local fishermen demanded a fresh verification process to remove fake beneficiaries and include genuine fishermen in the government support programme.
Shibchar Upazila Fisheries Officer Satyajit Majumder said an investigation was under way into allegations that non-fishers had received cards. “Those found ineligible will be removed from the list, while steps will be taken to include genuine fishermen,” he said.
Shibchar Upazila Nirbahi Officer HM Ibne Mizan said complaints of genuine fishermen being deprived while non-fishers received benefits had also reached him. “Work has already started to address the issue,” he said.
