Dhaka: Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal today called on the government to form a special taskforce to identify the real problems of the country’s haor region, stressing the necessity of long-term, sustainable, and coordinated initiatives to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people living there. Kamal emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive measures while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Haor Disaster: Relevance of the Book ‘Chashabhushar Shontan’ and the Way Forward,” organized by the Netrokona Journalists’ Forum, Dhaka, at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the seminar delved into the natural disasters affecting the haor region, the struggles faced by farmers, sustainable embankment management, the impacts of climate change, and development planning. Kamal, who hails from the haor region, shared his personal experiences and highlighted the persistent challenges faced by the people there, pointing out that effective and sustainable initiatives have been scarce since the country’s independence.
Kamal stated that discussions on haors typically arise only after disasters strike, emphasizing the need for research-based planning and practical initiatives to implement permanent solutions. He referred to the book “Chashabhushar Shontan” by Mohammad Mufazzal, which details the realities of the haor region and the multifaceted impacts of disasters, underscoring the potential role of such research-based publications in policymaking and public awareness.
Expressing concern over irregularities in fish farming in the haor areas, Kamal alleged that a segment of dishonest individuals was exploiting haor resources through a flawed leasing system, depriving genuine fishermen of fair opportunities. He criticized the practice of digging large pits in wetlands to create ponds, which disrupts the natural water flow and exacerbates the hardships faced by farmers.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the economic struggles of haor farmers, who do not receive fair prices for their produce and face restrictions on fishing due to the leasing system. Stressing the need for effective water management, science-based research, and technology development suitable for early seed plantation, Kamal urged the preparation of accurate lists of genuinely affected individuals to facilitate the region’s development.
Kamal remarked on the systemic obstacles that have persisted since independence, calling for unity and collaborative efforts to overcome these challenges. The seminar was attended by Md Anwarul Haque, MP (Netrakona-2), noted writer and economist Professor Anu Muhammad, Shahidullah Farayezi, along with journalists, researchers, writers, intellectuals, and individuals associated with the haor region.
Presided over by Netrakona Journalists Forum president Rafique Ahmed and moderated by its general secretary Shawkat Ali Khan Litho, the event concluded with speakers advocating for coordinated initiatives to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the haor region’s inhabitants.