Relief for fishermen as private lease on Gohala River reversed

Leaseholder returns full payment as per administration order

The administration in Ullapara Upazila of Sirajganj has cancelled the lease of the Gohala River that had been granted by a local mosque committee, bringing relief to over 100 fishing families who had feared losing their livelihoods.

On Saturday morning, Upazila administrator (UNO) Abu Saleh Md Hasnat visited Uduniya village and revoked the lease of a 2.5km section of the river.

He also ordered the return of the money collected from the lessee.

Two days earlier, the mosque committee of Udhunia Bazar area had leased the 2.5km stretch of the Gohala River for Tk 162,000 to Yusuf Ali Molla, a resident of the same village.

The decision left local fishermen worried about their means of living.

The fishermen said the mosque committee had announced through loudspeakers that the lease was being given to raise funds for development activities.

The issue drew attention from the authorities after reports on the matter were published on Friday by bdnews24.com and other media outlets.

Following the coverage, the UNO went to the village on Saturday morning and officially cancelled the lease. The Tk 162,000 paid by the lessee was also returned.

Soon after, the Upazila administration made public announcements across the area, declaring that everyone was now free to fish in the Gohala River without paying any money.

Officers also reminded residents that the river is government property and cannot be leased by any individual or organisation.