Bagherhat   Correspondent:

On the windswept shores of Dublar Char, at the southern edge of the Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal, a seasonal economy thrives that sustains thousands of livelihoods and contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s national coffers.

In the fiscal year 2024-2025 alone, the dried fish industry here generated an impressive Taka 6 crore in government revenue.

Each year, thousands of fishermen converge on Dublar Char to engage in a lucrative seasonal enterprise centered around fishing and dried fish production.

Following the end of the monsoon season, they temporarily settle here from various parts of the country, namely Khulna, Bagherhat, Satkhira, Pirojpur, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar, between October and March.

Before casting their nets, they must secure official authorization by obtaining Boat License Certificates (BLC) and paying the Daily Firewood Charge (DFC), as mandated by the Bagherhat Eastern Forest Division of the Sundarbans.

These regulatory fees form a critical stream of government revenue tied directly to the region’s natural resource management.

Seasonal settlements are established in key fishing zones such as Meher Ali Khal, Alorkol, Majher Char, Narikelbariya, Manikkhali, and Shyalar Char. Here, the economic engine of dried fish processing kicks into gear. Popular species including Loitta, Tel fasha, Chhuri, Chaka chingri, Bairagi, and Rupchanda are harvested, sorted, and arranged on tiered bamboo racks for sun-drying, a method that requires three to five days of consistent sunlight.

This process not only sustains thousands of livelihoods but also feeds a robust supply chain that contributes significantly to Bangladesh’s rural economy and public revenue.

The dried fish are then sent to the wholesale market in Asadganj of Chattogram. From there, wholesalers and traders from all 64 districts of the country purchase the dried fish for resale in major local markets.

Though slightly more expensive, due to its long shelf life and distinct taste, dried fish has become increasingly popular among consumers. When cooked in small quantities with almost any kind of vegetable, dried fish becomes a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Nutritionist Dr. Zobayer Hossain told journalist that consuming Loitta dried fish enhances vision and is rich in oily proteins.

This dried fish industry continues to play a significant role in the local economy. The government earns substantial revenue from the dried fish production and supply chain.

In the fiscal year 2024-2025, total production stood at 63,500 quintals, generating Taka 6 crore in government revenue.

Approximately 35,000 people are directly involved in this seasonal activity in Dublar Char. To meet the daily needs of the fishermen, temporary markets emerge across the area.

A notable crowd of both domestic and foreign tourists visiting the Sundarbans is observed purchasing dried fish from these spots. These temporary villages are equipped with solar panels and generators to provide electricity.

However, due to the area’s designation as a sanctuary for wildlife including tigers, deer, wild boars, and various bird species, lighting is restricted.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Eastern Sundarbans Division, Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, told JOURNALIST that Dublar Char plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s economy and society through a unique blend of fishing, dried fish production, and cultural tradition.

He further said that sometimes collecting revenue becomes difficult due to threats from pirates and forest bandits in the Sundarbans. However, he expressed optimism that government revenue will increase in the coming season.

The forest department is currently using drones to monitor bandit movements and strengthen surveillance, he added.