S.M. Saiful Islam Kabir, Sundarbans

Due to a low-pressure , the Bay of Bengal along the coast of the Sundarbans has become turbulent. Unable to withstand the rough sea, the fishing boat fleet has halted fishing and is rushing toward the coast. Some boats have taken safe shelter in different areas, including parts of the Sundarbans. The Meteorological Department has issued danger signal No. 3.

Mohammad Farid Mia, a fishing boat captain from Boga area of Bagerhat, said via mobile phone on Wednesday (June 18) noon that the sea has been in a very bad condition for the past two days. Due to strong waves, heavy rain, and stormy winds, fishing has been halted, and boats are heading toward the coast from deep sea. Many fishing boats have taken shelter in Vedakhali canal of the Sundarbans, according to Farid Mia.

Abul Hossain, President, Sharankhola Fishing Trawler Owners' Association, said their fishing boats have been unable to fish in the sea and have been taking shelter in various canals of the Sundarbans, including Mohipur and Nidraskhina, for the past two days. After a long 58-day fishing ban, the fishermen had just returned to the sea, only to face disaster, which will result in heavy losses, Abul Hossain added.

Harun-or-Rashid, Acting officer of the Mongla Port Weather Observation Center, stated that a well-marked low-pressure system has formed over the Bay of Bengal. Signal number 3 has been issued for all maritime ports.

Forester Subrata Kumar Das, Acting officer of the Dublar Forest Patrol Post in the Sundarbans’ fishing village, said that the sea is experiencing heavy rainfall along with high waves and stormy winds. Fishing boats are returning from the deep sea, and some have taken safe shelter in canals around Vedakhali, Alorkol, Meher Ali, and nearby areas.