The Bangladesh Department of Fisheries leases the haors to private entities such as small-scale fisheries associations through competitive bidding, often sidelining local fishers who lack the cash to compete. The lease duration varies depending on the size of the haor and can last several years, during which the leaseholder is responsible for its utilization and management. In Sunamganj, over 40% of fishers borrowed from external businesses to secure the leases or to cover debts.
The high costs of leasing and limited economic prospects are pushing youth out of the wetlands, forcing them to migrate to urban centres like Sylhet or Dhaka for work and cash income.
Desperate for alternatives, some locals rear cattle and ducks. These ducks roam freely in the wetlands, devouring fish eggs and competing with other birds for food, and risking genetic contamination and disease.
Mr. Sarowar Alam, a conservationist with two decades of experience, warns that, “The short term gains are destroyiong the haors.”
Duck rearing is being promoted for income generation in line with the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2009), National Livestock Development Policy (2007), and Poverty Reduction Strategy (2009) among others. But in a policy contradiction, it goes against national biodiversity policies like Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016-2021), National Environment Policy (2018), and the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act (2012).