Mongla, Dec 19 (V7N) — A quarterly meeting of the Multi-Stakeholder Fisherfolk Platform under the FishNet project, initiated by the non-governmental organization Uttaran, was held on Thursday at 11:00 am at the Upazila Officers Club in Mongla, Bagerhat. The project is implemented by Uttaran with funding support from the Ocean Grants Program and UK International Development.

The meeting brought together government officials, local representatives, and representatives of fisherfolk networks from various professions to discuss project goals, activities, and progress. Mongla Upazila Executive Officer Sharmin Akter Sumi attended as the chief guest. Special guests included Upazila Cooperative Officer Zubair Hossain, Upazila Agriculture Officer Prashanta Howlader, and Upazila Women and Child Affairs Officer Ishrat Jahan.

Uttaran officer Md. Mizanur Rahman presented detailed updates on project objectives, highlighting progress in fisherfolk receiving identity cards, forming and registering cooperatives, obtaining waterbody leases, mitigating waterlogging, including marginalized fisher families in social safety net programs, and reintegrating drop-out students into schools. He requested cooperation and feedback from government officials to ensure effective implementation.

Dipak Baidya, President of the Digraj Fish Market Committee, drew attention to the lack of drainage and waste disposal facilities at the market and sought assistance from the Upazila Executive Officer. Sheikh Nur Alam, noted environmental activist and President of the Upazila Water Committee, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts by government and NGOs for river and forest conservation.

Other attendees included Bilkis Khatun, Project Manager of WSSC, and Uttaran Area Manager Mokhlesur Rahman Kamal. The meeting concluded with a focus on awareness campaigns for fisherfolk and sustainable practices to preserve marine biodiversity under the FishNet project.

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