Authors: Rakibul Hasan Amin, Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, Mohammad Shah Alam Chowdhury, Md. Raidul Islam, Rakibul Islam, Syed Tamzid Ahmed
Abstract: Fishing communities constitute one of the most vulnerable socio-economic groups in Bangladesh, relying heavily on natural water resources for their livelihood and survival. Despite their significant contribution to local economies and food security, these communities often face numerous human rights challenges, including poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, inadequate housing facilities, occupational hazards, social exclusion, and restricted access to government welfare programs. The present study examines the human rights conditions of fishing communities residing in the Mawa-Munshiganj region of Bangladesh. The research explores the extent to which fundamental human rights, such as the right to education, health, livelihood, social security, and a dignified standard of living, are ensured among the fisher folk population. A mixed-method research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 100 fishermen through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal widespread deprivation in several dimensions of human rights, affecting both male and female members of the fishing community. Major challenges identified include food insecurity, inadequate access to healthcare services, limited awareness of legal rights, and vulnerability to harassment and exploitation. While 62 percent of the respondents reported receiving some form of government assistance during fishing ban periods, the support was often insufficient to meet their livelihood needs. Furthermore, the study found that approximately 80 percent of the respondents were illiterate, highlighting the community’s educational disadvantages. The study concludes that fishing communities in the Mawa-Munshiganj region continue to face significant socio-economic and human rights challenges. Based on the empirical findings, the research offers policy recommendations aimed at improving their living conditions, strengthening social protection measures, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and promoting the overall welfare and human rights of riverine fishing communities in Munshiganj.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20604876
