Economic Prospects as well as Human Rights Violation at Shrimp Farming: A study based in south west coastal region of Bangladesh

Abstract

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, 20002). 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