Livelihood status of the fishermen of the Turag river, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to assess the livelihood status of fishing community in Turag River area, Bangladesh. Data were collected by using well-structured questionnaire from the selected area. The study revealed that most of the fishermen were belonging to the age groups of 35-40 years old (30%) in Birulia and 40-45 years old (56%) in Boroibari, majority featured by Hindus. Most of the fishermen were illiterate both in Birulia and Boroibari. All of the fishermen in Birulia received loan from various microcredit NGO namely ASA, GRAMEEN, ADESH and in Boroibari all of the respondent fishermen were the beneficiaries of various management program like IPAC. About 63% fishermen in Birulia and 35% fishermen in Boroibari had a moderate annual income (30000-60000 tk). About 33% fishermen in Birulia and 65% fishermen in Boroibari had a high annual income (above 60000 tk). The government does not provide any kind of supports for the betterment of the fishing community in both study areas.