BAGERHAT, Oct 25, 2025 (BSS) - As the dry season sets in, thousands of fishermen are preparing to sail for the sea from Mongla in Bagerhat towards the chars of the Sundarbans, including Dublar Char, where the traditional dry fish season begins tomorrow.

Fishermen are now busy loading nets, fuel, food, and other essentials into their trawlers anchored along the Mongla coast. 

With official passes and permits from the Forest Department, they are set to depart at midnight tonight to begin four months of fishing and fish-drying activities on the coastal chars.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Division Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said the season will run from October 26, 2025, to February 28, 2026. 

Fishermen will live and work mainly in Alorkol, Ofiskella, Narkelbaria, and Shelar Char in Dubla during this period.

The Forest Department has permitted the construction of around 900 temporary houses for fishermen and approved 80 shops, including grocery stores, oil and medicine outlets, salons, and small eateries. 

Additionally, 100 depots have been licensed for fish trading.

According to officials, about 10,000 fishermen are expected to gather in the chars this season. They will build temporary huts, drying sheds, and small jetties for loading and unloading fish.

DFO Rezaul Karim stressed that cutting or using any plant species from the Sundarbans is strictly prohibited. "If anyone violates the rules and harms the forest, legal action will be taken," he said. 

Fishermen have therefore brought their own bamboo and materials for construction in compliance with the restrictions.

Fishermen and financiers in Mongla said they face numerous challenges during the season, especially rough weather and piracy.

"The time we stay in Dublar chars is often marked by storms and tidal surges. Sometimes trawlers sink and fish rot in the rain. It's a struggle for survival," said moneylender Kalam Bepari.

Another moneylender, Rafiqul Islam said, "Since cutting trees is banned, we are carrying bamboo and crab shells to make huts and fences. We are careful not to harm the forest."

Moneylender Mustafa Sana explained the financial risks involved: "It takes around 20 to 25 lakh taka to send a fully equipped trawler to Dubla Char. Most fishermen depend on loans. If the weather is good, they can recover the costs; otherwise, they suffer heavy losses."

DFO Rezaul Karim added that the Forest Department collected Tk 7 crore in revenue from the dry fish trade last season. 

"If the weather remains favorable, we expect to earn over Tk 8 crore this year. The Coast Guard will work alongside us to ensure the safety of fishermen," he said.