Fishermen in Teknaf have formed a human chain demanding full access to the Naf River for fishing, urging authorities to lift restrictions on the remaining closed sections.
The demonstration took place Monday afternoon in front of the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s Office, organised under the banner of the local fishermen’s community.
Speakers at the event highlighted that a government-imposed fishing ban on the Naf River has been in place since April 2017. Following a recent High Court directive in February, fishing was partially permitted from Shahpari Island to Teknaf Jetty. However, access remains restricted in key areas between Teknaf Jetty and the Hnila and Whykong regions, leaving hundreds of fishermen in severe economic distress.
They called on the government to immediately open the remaining parts of the river, enabling all affected communities to resume their livelihoods. The human chain was chaired by acting Chairman of Hnila Union, Mohammad Ali. Political and community leaders who expressed solidarity included Cox’s Bazar District BNP President Shahjahan Chowdhury, Jamaat-e-Islami District Ameer Nur Ahmad Anwari, Ukhiya BNP Convener Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, and Teknaf Upazila BNP President Advocate Hasan Siddiqui.
