Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has proposed opening about 9,000 public water bodies to local beneficiaries, sending the plan to the Ministry of Land’s Sairat wing in June. The two ministries are working to free government water bodies from influential groups and ensure genuine fishers can catch fish under the stated “those who own nets own waters” policy. The proposal covers water bodies including haors, baors, canals, beels and rivers.
The Land Ministry has sought reports from all deputy commissioners, according to Deputy Secretary Rahula Amin. Water bodies in several districts whose leases have expired have already been opened, while those nearing lease expiry will be reviewed for opening to local beneficiaries. In fiscal year 2024-25, Bangladesh had 39,190 public water bodies, of which 15,420 were leased.
Lease income from public water bodies totalled about Tk130.77 crore in 2024-25. Fishers’ representatives say revenue priorities can exclude genuine fishers and reduce natural fish production. A 2026 draft law emphasizes preventing encroachment and pollution, conserving biodiversity and protecting genuine fishers’ rights. Stakeholders say transparent leasing, fisher identification and oversight remain necessary.
দেশের সরকারি জলমহাল, হাওড়-বাঁওড়, খাল-বিল ও নদী ঘিরে দীর্ঘদিনের ইজারা ব্যবস্থা নিয়ে নতুন করে চিন্তা করছে সরকার। সারা দেশে ৯ হাজার জলাশয় উন্মুক্ত করতে ভূমি মন্ত্রণালয়ের কাছে প্রস্তাব পাঠিয়েছে মৎস্য ও প্রাণিসম্পদ মন্ত্রণালয়। প্রভাবশালীদের নিয়ন্ত্রণ থেকে
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