Safe drinking water shortages, fragile communication networks, river erosion and the growing threat of pirates in the Sundarbans have become part of everyday life for residents of Dakop upazila in Khulna.
After years of living with these hardships, coastal communities are now looking towards a possible visit by the Prime Minister with renewed hope.
The prospect of the Prime Minister visiting Nalian in Dakop on Thursday (October 22) has generated enthusiasm across the area.
Residents hope to draw attention to their longstanding problems and press for sustainable solutions to the challenges threatening their lives and livelihoods.
Their four major demands are an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water, durable roads and embankments, improved healthcare facilities, and effective action to make the Sundarbans free from pirates.
The region’s environmental challenges are also taking a toll on public health. A local rural medical practitioner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said most people in the area depend on the Sundarbans and nearby rivers for their livelihoods.
Many earn their living by fishing with nets and working in difficult environmental conditions.
According to him, prolonged exposure to harsh working conditions and a lack of safe drinking water contribute to various health problems.
Residents frequently complain of joint pain and physical weakness, while unsafe water and inadequate sanitation increase the risk of reproductive health complications among women.
Locals expect the government to ensure safe water supplies, establish modern healthcare facilities, appoint adequate numbers of doctors and introduce emergency patient transport services in remote coastal areas.
Pirates threaten livelihoods
The activities of pirates in areas adjoining the Sundarbans have become another major source of concern for fishermen and forest-dependent communities.
Although many have to venture into rivers and forests to earn a living, fear of attacks and extortion has made their work increasingly dangerous.
Rustam Ali, 32, a fisherman dependent on the Sundarbans from Sutarkhali, said the fear of pirates had made entering the forest a frightening experience.
“Just hearing the name of the Sundarbans makes us tremble with fear. It is no longer safe to venture into the forest because of the pirates,” he said.
He alleged that fishermen taking boats into the forest were sometimes forced to pay as much as Tk 20,400 in extortion money, including charges linked to bKash transactions.
Those refusing to pay reportedly faced physical assault.
Rustam claimed that eight to nine pirate gangs were currently active in the Sundarbans.
According to allegations by forest-dependent people, the gangs have hideouts in several canals, including Arbani Khal, Kumrokati, Ada Chaki, Harbaria and Sheker Tek.
Fear of piracy has discouraged many people from entering the forest, pushing families dependent on fishing and forest resources into financial hardship.
Residents are demanding regular patrols, stronger intelligence surveillance and intensified operations against pirate groups to restore security in the Sundarbans.
Demand for lasting coastal protection
Having endured the devastating impacts of successive natural disasters, including Cyclone Aila and Cyclone Amphan, Dacope residents say they no longer want to depend solely on temporary relief and emergency assistance.
They want durable, cyclone-resilient embankments, effective measures to prevent river erosion, piped supplies of safe drinking water, improved healthcare services and decisive action against pirates operating in the Sundarbans.
Locals believe that addressing these demands would not only reduce their daily hardships but also strengthen economic security and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Administration prepares for possible visit.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Dakop Borhan Uddin Mithu said an atmosphere of festivity had prevailed across the upazila amid the possibility of the Prime Minister’s visit.
However, he added that no clear information had yet been provided about the purpose of the proposed visit.
Security has been strengthened in Nalian and surrounding areas, with members of different forces working on the ground, he said.
The UNO also said the government was aware of the challenges facing coastal communities, particularly the shortage of safe drinking water, the need for sustainable embankments and the potential of tourism centred on the Sundarbans.
He added that joint surveillance by law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard had been strengthened to curb piracy in areas adjoining the mangrove forest.
As Dakop awaits the possible visit, residents hope their longstanding demands will finally receive the attention they deserve.
They believe that an opportunity to present their problems directly and highlight the realities of coastal life could pave the way for lasting solutions to the region’s deep-rooted challenges,