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Economic Prospects as Well as Human Rights Violation at Shrimp Farming: a Study Based in South West Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Tanvir Alam
Economics Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Shahi Md.
Economics Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh

Shifuzzaman, Lasker
Human Rights Law Department, Dhaka International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Shrimp is an important export commodity in Bangladesh. The districts in which shrimp cultivation occurred are Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira in Khulna Division and Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong and Noakhali in Chittagong Division. Out of our total quantity of shrimp exported from the country during 2001 (42000 tonnes), the share of Bagda was 25000 tonnes (58%) and Golda 12000 tonnes (28%). Other varieties like Harina amounted to 6000 tonnes (15%) (Source: Banks’ Report). Bangladesh accounts for only 2.5% of the total world export of shrimp. But in prospective of Bangladesh, Shrimp is the second most important export, employing 840,000 people. Frank Burger also states that shrimp represents 90% of all marine products exported from Bangladesh. But there is mixed image about Bangladeshi shrimp in the international market. In the report published by the Environmental Justice Foundation of London, UK, titled “Smash and Grab: Corruption, conflict and Human Rights Abuse in shrimp Industry” in March 2003, a grey picture of Human Rights situation has been exposed. In our national and local newspapers, news of abuse of Human Rights in the shrimp industry continues to be published regularly. To think that if we keep our eyes closed and believe that no one will know what is happening, and if we do not admit, the occurrences will not be proved, will be a gross mistake instead, we need to be courageous. We must investigate the basic causes behind these occurrences. Coordinated efforts are needed to be undertaken in order to reduce the incidence of such occurrences. We must understand that unless the local marginal landowners, the local workers do not get an equitable share of the income from the shrimp sector, and if opportunities for unethical activities continue to exist in shrimp trading depots and processing factories, then questions will be asked as to how much the common people are benefited by shrimp export?

Keywords: Shrimp Farming, Shrimp export, Human Right Violation, Social conflict, Women violence

Location: Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira district.

Start Date: 00-00-2010

End Date: 00-00-2011

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Income generation

Objectives:

To report the economic prospects as well as human rights violation at shrimp farming in different coastal districts

Methodology:

The investigation has been made in Khulna District (considered Thanas are Rampal, Mongla, Koyra, Paikgacha, Dumuria, Batiaghata), Bagerhat District (Moregong Thana) and Satkhira District (Debhata and Shymnagar Thana). The investigation has been effected under the following methodology: Reviewing all documents, research reports, government documents etc. Reviewing the newspaper (local and national) clipping of the last two years (2010-2011). Reviewing the court cases in Satkhira, Khulan and Bagerhat districts especially those related to shrimp issues. Reviewing the Shalish (mediation) effected during the last two years (2010-2011). Examining the answers to the questionnaire. Discussions with the victims. Collecting information from government and non-government offices.

Source of Information: IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSRJHSS); ISSN: 2279-0845 Volume 1, Issue 1 (July-August 2012), pp. 45-49

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

In Bangladesh the improvement and exploitation of the potential of the frozen food export including shrimp has been slow. Although there is very profound demand for shrimp in overseas markets. Bangladesh could not make significant breakthrough in the factors related to shrimp export. Shrimp has been identified as an export focal point area in Bangladesh in new export policy. On other hand farm-grabbing by using political influence, looting the shrimp from the farms of the comparatively weaker owners, sexual abuse of women, non-payment of lease money, irregular payment of wages, long working hours etc. are all causes to disputes and end in conflicts and violence. It is hoped the government would extend all possible cooperation to shrimp producers to successfully address these challenges. In order to expand markets for Bangladesh’s shrimp exports, producers, on their part, will have to ensure adherence to international standards, and high quality, particularly with regard of health, environment and labor standards. Also a monthly audit to Human Legal Rights (HLR) in shrimp farming in the south west coastal region will be very effective. Side by side awareness campaign on HLR issue is essential; but it should kept in mind that violation of rights cannot be attributed only to attitudes and behavioral pattern; structural system should be kept in mind.

Knowledge Management: Journal