State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that the government will ensure unrestricted fishing rights for genuine fishermen in all open water bodies across the country. He made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists at the Netrakona Circuit House, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of fishermen in the haor regions.

The minister said the government is determined to uphold the fair rights of real fishermen under the principle of “Jal jar, jala tar,” meaning those who own the nets should have access to the waters. He noted that the lease system had allowed influential groups to occupy water bodies and prevent ordinary fishermen from fishing, but the government is taking legal steps to remove such obstacles. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives for dredging rivers and canals to maintain navigability and improve fishery management.

According to the minister, these measures aim to ensure sustainable fishery resources, prevent waterlogging, and make water bodies more suitable for fish cultivation, thereby supporting rural livelihoods.