Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbqk8flqQfI
Date: July 17, 2025
This report, based on The People’s Voice: Episode 8, highlights the challenges faced by
floating families in Majur Chaudhary Ghat, Laxmipur Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. These
families, displaced by river erosion, live on state-owned land and struggle with access to
clean water, sanitation, education, and economic stability. The report provides a detailed
analysis of their situation, historical context, environmental and social challenges, proposed
interventions, and a logical framework for addressing their needs.
Historical Context
Regional History
Laxmipur District, located in southeastern Bangladesh, was part of Noakhali until 1984,
when it became a separate district to enhance administrative efficiency. Formed by alluvial
deposits from the Meghna River, the region is vulnerable to river erosion and flooding due to
its low-lying coastal location and shifting chars (sandbars). Historically, it was part of the
Bhulua Kingdom, later governed by Mughals, British colonial authorities, and
post-independence Bangladesh. The area’s geography has long caused displacement,
particularly for communities reliant on fishing and agriculture.
History of the People
The floating families in Majur Chaudhary Ghat include local residents and those displaced
from Bhola, a southern coastal district. Primarily fishermen, these families have lost their
homes to river erosion, a persistent issue in the Meghna River delta. Many live on boats or in
temporary shelters on state-owned land, similar to Bhola’s 30,000 boat-dwelling residents
who lack permanent addresses. This exclusion from national statistics limits their access to
government services, perpetuating marginalization.
Historical Government Support
Government support for floating communities in Bangladesh has been limited and
inconsistent. In Bhola, floating fishermen are recognized as “Nouka Bashi Jele” (Boat Living
Fishermen), with some NGO-supported programs providing national identity cards for
service access, though only a small fraction benefit. In Laxmipur, government aid during
fishing bans is sporadic, with many families receiving no support. National initiatives like the
2014 Strategy for Water Supply and Sanitation and the Watershed programme aim to improve
WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services, but disparities persist for marginalized
groups.
Current Situation
The floating families in Majur Chaudhary Ghat, numbering 600–700 people (including 275
voters and over 400 families), face significant challenges:
● Lack of Clean Drinking Water: Only two deep tube wells serve over 400 families,
making access to potable water a daily struggle.
● Inadequate Sanitation: The community lacks proper bathroom facilities, leading to
poor hygiene and health risks.
● Economic Instability: As fishermen, their livelihood depends on fishing, which is
disrupted by government-imposed bans, with inconsistent aid distribution.
● Limited Education Access: A small school exists, but financial burdens make it
difficult to afford supplies or teacher salaries. Some children attend madrasahs, while
others work in small shops to support their families.
● Housing Instability: Living in temporary, scattered shelters on state-owned land,
these families lack permanent housing due to repeated displacement by river erosion.
Environmental and Social Challenges
Environmental Challenges
● River Erosion: The Meghna River’s shifting chars continuously erode land,
displacing families and forcing them into temporary shelters.
● Water Pollution: Rivers like the Meghna contain high levels of pollutants, including
pesticides and heavy metals, threatening drinking water and fish stocks.
● Climate Change: Rising sea levels and frequent cyclones exacerbate flooding and
erosion, further impacting fishing livelihoods.
● Fishing Bans: Periodic bans to conserve fish stocks disrupt income, leaving families
without adequate government support.
Social Challenges
● Marginalization: Without permanent addresses, these families are excluded from
national statistics, limiting access to healthcare, education, and social welfare.
● Poverty: Dependence on fishing, combined with limited education and resources,
traps families in poverty.
● Health Risks: Poor sanitation and limited clean water increase the risk of waterborne
diseases.
● Education Barriers: High costs and lack of resources prevent children from
receiving quality education, limiting future opportunities.
Scope of Work
To address the challenges faced by the floating families, a comprehensive intervention is
proposed, focusing on water, sanitation, education, and economic support. The scope
includes:
- Water and Sanitation Infrastructure:
○ Install additional deep tube wells to ensure clean drinking water for all
families.
○ Construct community sanitation facilities with proper waste management
systems. - Educational Support:
○ Subsidize school supplies and teacher salaries to make education accessible.
○ Establish mobile or community-based schools tailored to floating families. - Economic Resilience:
○ Provide alternative livelihood training during fishing bans (e.g., small-scale
aquaculture or handicrafts).
○ Ensure consistent government aid distribution during bans. - Housing and Land Rights:
○ Advocate for legal recognition of floating communities to access permanent
land or housing support.
○ Develop erosion-resistant shelters or floating homes. - Community Empowerment:
○ Engage civil society organizations (CSOs) to advocate for policy changes and
monitor service delivery.
○ Conduct awareness campaigns on hygiene and water safety.
Logical Framework
Component Description
Goal Improve the quality of life for floating families in Laxmipur Sadar Upazila.
Objectives 1. Provide access to clean water and sanitation.
- Enhance educational opportunities.
- Strengthen economic resilience.
- Secure housing and legal recognition.
Inputs – Funding for infrastructure (tube wells, sanitation facilities).
- Training programs for alternative livelihoods.
- Educational materials and subsidies.
- Advocacy and policy engagement with CSOs and government.
Activities – Install 5 additional deep tube wells.
- Build 10 community sanitation units.
- Provide school supplies for 200 children and fund teacher salaries.
- Train 100 families in alternative livelihoods.
- Advocate for national ID cards and land rights.
Outputs – 5 functional tube wells serving 400+ families.
- 10 sanitation units reducing open defecation.
- 200 children with access to education.
- 100 families with alternative income sources.
- 50% of families with national ID cards.
Outcomes – Reduced waterborne diseases and improved hygiene.
- Increased school attendance and literacy rates.
- Improved economic stability during fishing bans.
- Enhanced legal recognition and housing security.
Assumptions – Government cooperation for land and aid distribution.
- Community participation in training and maintenance.
- Availability of skilled labor and materials for infrastructure.
Risks – Continued river erosion disrupted infrastructure.
- Insufficient government funding or policy support.
- Resistance to alternative livelihoods due to cultural reliance on fishing.
Conclusion
The floating families of Majur Chaudhary Ghat face profound challenges due to river erosion, lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation, economic instability, limited education access, and housing insecurity. These issues, compounded by environmental threats like climate change and social marginalization, trap the community in a cycle of poverty and vulnerability. The proposed intervention, with a budget of $122,000 over two years, offers a multi-faceted approach to address these challenges through improved water and sanitation infrastructure, educational support, alternative livelihood training, and advocacy for legal recognition. Collaboration with NGOs like WaterAid Bangladesh, international donors like UNICEF, and government programs can ensure effective implementation. The pie chart underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation as primary concerns, while long-term solutions must tackle systemic issues like land rights and climate resilience.
By prioritizing these interventions, the quality of life for these resilient families can be significantly improved, fostering hope and stability in a marginalized community.
Md. Anisur Rahman
Executive Director, ALO
