Child labour declines significantly in Sundarbans’ Dublar Char
City Desk :
Until a few years ago, a significant number of children were engaged in processing dry fish at Dublar Char, located on the shores of the Sundarbans, to sustain their livelihoods, as their guardians had no choice but to send them to work for survival.
These children then endured six months of grueling labor for minimal wages; they were often treated like slaves under harsh conditions.
Despite their relentless efforts, they faced mistreatment and harassment for even minor mistakes.
However, the situation has improved significantly due to various pragmatic measures taken by the government and non-governmental organizations.
During a recent visit to the island, it was found that the dry fish village in Dublar Char was bustling with activities of fish drying. Businessmen were busy processing dry fish, while hundreds of fishermen were drying fish caught from the deep sea.
Surprisingly, no child laborers were found, despite it being the peak season for drying fish.
Fifteen-year-old Golam, who arrived in Dublar Char with his elder brother, said he had not seen any other boys or girls of his age working there since he went there.
Dublar Char, along with Alorkol, Narkel Baria, Shelarchar, and Meheralir Char, is one of the largest marine fish processing hubs in the Sundarbans. These chars fall under the Sharankhola range of the Eastern Sundarbans division in Bagerhat.
According to sources, the revenue target for the dry fish sector has been set at Taka 3.20 crore. In the 2018-19 fiscal year, revenue collection stood at Taka 2.47 crore, which increased to Taka 3.17 crore in 2019-20.
Previously, children from Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Khulna, and Satkhira were brought to Dublar Char for six months to work in the dry fish sector. They toiled under the scorching sun and in salty seawater with a hope to earn only Taka
Launches, trawlers, and boats cannot stop anywhere except at designated Forest Department checkpoints. Each boat must be equipped with the necessary number of life jackets or buoys.
Each visitor will receive a ticket or token upon entering the Sundarbans. This token must be carried at all times while inside the forest.
All launches, boats, and trawlers must report to the control room at Alorkol. Failure to do so may result in legal action.
The use and carrying of explosives and firearms are strictly prohibited during the Rash Purnima and Purnya Snan. Possession of any illegal firearms, explosives, hunting traps, ropes, axes, saws, or similar items will lead to legal action.
