After a long eight-year ban, fishermen have been granted permission to resume fishing in the Bangladesh section of the Naf River, which runs along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The High Court issued the directive, and on Thursday (February 13), the Cox’s Bazar district administration formally notified the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) regarding the decision.
Confirming the matter, Teknaf UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin stated that the High Court ruling instructed the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner to take necessary steps to allow registered fishermen to resume legal fishing operations in the Naf River. The decision follows a petition filed on August 15, 2024, which the court has now resolved.
Five Conditions for Fishing in Naf River
Fishing is allowed only between 8 AM and 4 PM within Bangladesh’s territorial waters, from Shah Porir Dwip to Teknaf Jetty.
Fishermen must check in at five designated BGB checkpoints before fishing and returning. They must also cooperate with security inspections.
Crossing into Myanmar’s waters is strictly prohibited.
Only registered fishermen will be allowed to fish. To prevent unauthorized fishing, the updated list of fishermen will be provided to the BGB, Coast Guard, and law enforcement agencies.
This approval is temporary. After three months, authorities will review the border security situation before deciding on renewal.
Fishermen Express Relief and Joy
The long-awaited reopening of the Naf River overjoys fishermen in Teknaf.
Faruk, a Subrang Union fisherman who has been fishing in the river for 20 years, said, “With Eid approaching, this decision brings an early celebration for us. We are grateful to the government. We will also ensure that no fisherman gets involved in illegal activities like drug smuggling.”
Md. Aman Ullah, President of the Naf River Fishermen’s Society, welcomed the decision, stating, “After eight years, our struggles are finally over. The fishermen will strictly follow all regulations, and we will remain vigilant to prevent illegal activities.”
Meanwhile, district BNP finance secretary Md. Abdullah remarked, “For years, fishermen have suffered extreme hardship. Today, we see hope returning to their lives. We appreciate the efforts of the local administration.”
Background: Why Was Fishing Banned?
Fishing in the Naf River was suspended on August 31, 2017, due to security concerns, including the Rohingya influx and border tensions with Myanmar. The Ministry of Home Affairs initially issued a two-month suspension, but it remained in place for the last eight years, severely impacting thousands of fishermen in Teknaf.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
File Photo
