Sirajganj mosque leases section of river, local fishermen fear loss of livelihood

Local Yusuf Ali Molla has secured the lease for the highest bid of Tk 162,000

A local mosque committee in Sirajganj has leased a 2.5km stretch of the Gohala River, raising concerns among more than a hundred fishing families who depend on the river for their livelihood.

On Thursday afternoon, the Udhunia Bazar Jame Mosque committee leased the river section near Udhunia village. Prior to the leasing, the committee announced the opportunity publicly on loudspeakers to invite bids.

Abdul Hamid, vice-president of the mosque committee, said no one else will be allowed to fish within the leased area between the Bengali months of Ashwin to Chaitra without the lessee’s permission.

However, authorities have clarified that rivers are government property, and no individual or committee has the legal right to lease them.

The Gohala River stretches 28km long and 93m wide, supporting year-round fishing by local communities.

Yusuf Ali Molla secured the lease for the highest bid of Tk 162,000, making local fishermen fear losing access to their fishing grounds.

Abdul Mannan Fakir, a veteran fisherman, said, “I have been fishing in the Gohala River for 40 years. Previously, there was no leasing system. Now, we may have to pay Tk 10,000 to 15,000 to the lessee or we cannot set our nets in the river.”

Ismail Hossain, who has fished in the river for 15 years, added: “Earlier, we didn’t need anyone’s permission to fish. This is the first time I’ve seen the river leased, and now we must pay to fish.”

Hamid justified the lease, saying it was to raise funds for mosque development and that no one else would be allowed to fish in the designated area without the lessee’s consent.

Ullapara Upazila Fisheries Officer Ataur Rahman said, “No mosque committee has the authority to lease a river for fishing. The matter will be thoroughly investigated.”