The Manta community residing on boats along the Bukhainagar river experiences fleeting joy during Eid celebrations, only to return to challenging circumstances the very next day. Despite indulging in chicken and rice on Eid, the families quickly resume their usual meals the following morning. For generations, hundreds of individuals from the Manta community have inhabited rows of boats along the riverbanks, leading lives intertwined with water.
Comprising more than 500 individuals from approximately 115 boats, this floating community sustains itself through fishing, relying on hooks and nets to navigate vast distances in search of fish. Jasim Uddin, a fleet leader, highlighted the bustling period characterized by favorable winds and abundant fish during Eid festivities.
While reflecting on their routine, Uddin shared, “We feasted on rice and chicken on Eid day. However, the subsequent day mirrored our typical conditions. We started our day with plain rice, ventured into Tetulia and Arial Kha rivers for fishing, sold the catch, procured essentials, and returned to prepare our meals.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Mumtaz Begum, a community housewife, recounted the stark transition post-Eid, where the children had to settle for basic rice and lentils. The community members lamented their exclusion from government aid due to their boat-based lifestyle, expressing the desire for a change in their circumstances.
Mohammad Ali Jibon, the chief coordinator of Chandradwip Development Society, disclosed that over 1,000 individuals from 300 Manta families reside across five unions in Barishal Sadar upazila. Akhtaruzzaman Talukdar, the District Social Services Officer in Barishal, mentioned that 50 community members have received assistance this year, with plans to gradually expand social welfare coverage to more individuals.
