Dublar Char Island in Bangladesh- Photo: Wikipedia

DHAKA, Jan 30, 2025 (BSS) - Until a few years ago, a significant number of children were engaged in processing dry fish at Dublar Char, located on the shores of the Sundarbans, to sustain their livelihoods, as their guardians had no choice but to send them to work for survival.

These children then endured six months of grueling labor for minimal wages; they were often treated like slaves under harsh conditions. Despite their relentless efforts, they faced mistreatment and harassment for even minor mistakes.

However, the situation has improved significantly due to various pragmatic measures taken by the government and non-governmental organizations.

During a recent visit to the island, it was found that the dry fish village in Dublar Char was bustling with activities of fish drying. Businessmen were busy processing dry fish, while hundreds of fishermen were drying fish caught from the deep sea. Surprisingly, no child laborers were found, despite it being the peak season for drying fish.

Fifteen-year-old Golam, who arrived in Dublar Char with his elder brother, said he had not seen any other boys or girls of his age working there since he went there.
 
Dublar Char, along with Alorkol, Narkel Baria, Shelarchar, and Meheralir Char, is one of the largest marine fish processing hubs in the Sundarbans. These chars fall under the Sharankhola range of the Eastern Sundarbans division in Bagerhat.

According to sources, the revenue target for the dry fish sector has been set at Taka 3.20 crore. In the 2018-19 fiscal year, revenue collection stood at Taka 2.47 crore, which increased to Taka 3.17 crore in 2019-20.

Previously, children from Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Khulna, and Satkhira were brought to Dublar Char for six months to work in the dry fish sector. They toiled under the scorching sun and in salty seawater with a hope to earn only Taka 10,000 to 12,000 for the entire period.
Many of these children had dropped out of school due to financial difficulties and started working in fish processing.

Experts believe child labor is declining due to the efforts of NGOs and the Coast Guard Western Zone, which are actively working to eliminate it. Through initiatives like Education for All, they provide free textbooks, educational materials, and stipends to promote child welfare and development.

Some also attribute the decline to the introduction of school feeding programs in poverty-stricken areas.

M. Nazmul Azam David, Executive Director of Parivartan Khulna, stated that child labor in Dublar Char has decreased due to various initiatives by non-governmental organizations advocating for child rights and the strict enforcement of labor laws by law enforcement agencies.