Historical Development of Fisheries and Life of Fishermen in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Overview from Ancient to Contemporary Period

Abstract

Fisheries is one of the most contributing sectors to the national economy of Bangladesh. The geographical location and features play an important role for the availability of fishes in Bangladesh. A huge number of people are directly or indirectly dependent on fishing. But the fish producers of this country are marginalized in their life and livelihood in the phases of history. The fishermen in this coastal region have historical customs and culture. But deprivation in all sphere of social and economic perspectives is the common feature of their life. The steps taken by government and nongovernment organizations are not able to root out marginality in fisher’s life. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the fisheries sector and modes orphases of life of the fishermen communities of Bangladesh in the long term historical perspective from ancient to contemporary time period. The study would be accomplished in the historical method. The historical methodology would be applied for the explanation of historical development of fisheries sector and the life of fishermen.]