A high-powered wireless set was installed at Dubalarchor in Sarankhola Range under Sundarban to deliver cyclone warning messages to fishermen working along the coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal.
These fishermen are catching fish from the Bay of Bengal for the dry fish production.
In addition, six volunteer teams, consisting of 120 members, were formed under the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) to assist in rescuing fishermen during natural disasters. However, while there are around 4,000 to 5,000 fishermen residing in areas like Narkel Baria and Shelar Char, no volunteer teams were set up in these regions. The Dubla Fishermen Group has called for the formation of volunteer teams in these two areas as well.
Arafatul Islam, the Acting Junior Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Program in Sarankhola, explained that thousands of fishermen, who catch fish for dry fish production, are often found in the Dubla area during cyclones and other natural disasters. A high-powered wireless set was installed at the Dubla office to ensure that these fishermen receive early warnings, enabling weather updates to be communicated twice daily to the fishermen. Additionally, volunteer teams have been formed at various locations, including one at the Dubla office, one at Majherkella, one at Jamatala, and three at Alorkol. Each team consists of 20 members.
The president of the Dubla Fishermen Group, heroic Freedom Fighter Mohammad Kamal Uddin Ahmed, has been appointed as the leader of these volunteer teams. Arafatul Islam further said that with the approval of Kamal Ahmed, additional teams could be formed in Narkel Baria and Shelar Char, subject to ministry approval.
Mahbubur Rahman Mintoo Fakir, the Team Leader of the CPP in Sarankhola, mentioned that the wireless set was installed on November 4, ahead of the arrival of the fishermen, to provide timely assistance during disasters. The installation was carried out with the help of a police team, and the wireless operator, Abul Kasem, is in charge of the system.
Kamal Uddin Ahmed said that the wireless set installation under the CPP will greatly benefit the fishermen in Dubla. However, he urged the CPP to form volunteer teams in Narkel Baria and Shelar Char, where thousands of fishermen live and work, so they can also receive the necessary support during emergencies.
