Fishermen Risk Lives Catching Fish: Deaths and Disappearances on the Rise

by Mahmudur Rahman Roni (Barguna, Bangladesh)

Patharghata Upazila in the coastal district of Barguna is situated along the Bishkhali and Baleswar rivers, near the estuary of the Bay of Bengal. The majority of the Upazila’s residents are engaged in the fishing profession. Driven by the need to earn a livelihood, fishermen must constantly venture out into the turbulent sea. However, many have lost their lives—and hundreds have gone missing—due to storms, tidal surges, trawler capsizings, and various other accidents while fishing.

According to data from the Upazila administration, 192 fishermen from Patharghata have gone missing between 1993 and 2026. The highest number of disappearances occurred during the devastating Cyclone Sidr in 2007, when 91 fishermen went missing. Additionally, fishermen went missing in the following years: 5 in 1993, 2 in 1994, 5 in 2001, 14 in 2006, 7 in 2014, 13 in 2018, 15 in 2023, and 4 in 2026. A mural featuring the names of the missing fishermen has been erected at the Upazila Parishad complex. According to data from a non-governmental source, 10 fishermen from Patharghata were recovered dead following various accidents and natural disasters over the past decade.  Many fishermen from Patharghata have gone missing in various disasters—ranging from the floods of 1993 to cyclones such as Sidr (2007), Nargis (2008), Aila (2009), Mahasen (2013), Komen (2015), Roanu (2016), Roma (2017), and Midhili (2023). To this day, no trace has been found of many of them.

*** The list of missing fishermen is available upon request.

Out of 35,000 Fishermen in the Upazila, 16,820 Are Registered

There are approximately 35,000 fishermen in Patharghata Upazila, of whom 16,820 are officially registered. Fishermen complain that while registered fishermen receive rice assistance during fishing bans, they do not receive any financial aid. Consequently, with fishing operations halted, they and their families face severe financial hardship.

The fishermen demand that, alongside the provision of rice, the amount of financial assistance be increased during these ban periods; this is because, even when unable to fish, they must still cover expenses for food, medical care, their children’s education, and other necessities.

The Current Plight of Fishermen’s Families

The suffering of fishermen’s families does not end even after a loved one goes missing; they face various social and financial hardships alongside the emotional trauma. The absence of death certificates for many missing fishermen creates complications in matters such as selling land or establishing inheritance rights. Furthermore, many wives of missing fishermen are deprived of government assistance, including widow allowances.

Fisherman Yusuf Ali went missing at sea in 2023. His younger brother, Yakub Ali, said, “My brother went to sea leaving behind two children. He never returned. The children cry for their father all day long. They still imagine that he might come home with groceries. I cannot tell them anything—whether my brother is alive or dead.”

Jamal, a fisherman, stated that they are compelled to venture out to sea for their livelihood, despite knowing the risks. Even when income ceases due to adverse weather, fishing bans, or accidents, family expenses do not stop. Therefore, they have demanded—alongside ensuring safety at sea—the provision of early disaster warnings, safety equipment, and adequate government support during periods when fishing is prohibited.

The Role of Relevant Authorities

Golam Mostafa Chowdhury, President of the Barguna District Trawler Owners’ Association, has called for the necessary cooperation from the administration to rescue fishermen involved in accidents at sea. He noted that the fate of missing fishermen often becomes uncertain due to the lack of prompt rescue operations and also urged for increased government assistance.

In this regard, Barguna Deputy Commissioner Taslima Akter stated, “Necessary assistance will be provided in accordance with laws and regulations to ensure that the families of the missing fishermen do not face undue hardship when obtaining death certificates or other essential documents.”

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