Frequent Pirate Attacks

Fishermen stage protest, demand security at sea

13 May 2009, 18:00 PM

Star National Desk

Fishermen wearing shrouds stage a sit-in on the premises of Patharghata upazila complex in Barguna district yesterday demanding action against pirates in the sea. Photo: Banglar Chokh

Wearing shrouds, fishermen yesterday staged a sit-in in front of the office of upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) at Patharghata under Barguna district demanding government steps to stop piracy and ensure their security during fishing in the sea. Over 2,000 fishermen from Barguna, Pirojpur and Patuakhali joined the day-long programme at 10:00am protesting frequent pirates' attack on them in the sea, according to our correspondents from Patuakhali and Barisal. The also urged the government to set up two navy outposts at the Kachikhali and Narikelbaria near the sea so that the pirates cannot come to the sea from Sundarbans through the area. Earlier, the agitating fishermen brought out a procession at the upazila headquarters in support of their demands. They also submitted a memorandum containing the demands to the home minister through UNO who immediately faxed it to the minister. Receiving the fax message, Home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun talked to Golam Mostafa Chowdhury. President of Barguna Fishing Trawlers Association, over cellphone and assured him of meeting the fishermen's demands. On assurance of the minister, the fishermen withdrew their programme at around 2:00pm. During sit-in, the fishermen held a rally which was addressed, among others, by Golam Mostafa chowdhury, Patharghata Upazila Chairman Shawkat Hasanur Rahman Rimon, Vice-Chairman Zakir Hossain Sikder, President of fishermen Union Abdul Mannan and President of Patharghata Natun Bazar Comiittee Awal Hossain. Addressing the rally, the speakers alleged the pirates are moving freely in the sea and looting fishes, fuel, nets from fishermen. They also kidnapped fishermen, took them to Sundarbans and demanded ransom from victims' families for their release, they alleged. At least six fishermen, including Nur Alam, Mohammad Isha, Sahid Jomaddar and Amir Ali, were killed by the pirates in the last six months, the speakers said.