Socio-economic status of fishermen of the Padma River in Chapai Nawabganj district, Bangladesh

The present study aimed to assess the socio economic status of fishermen of the Padma River in Chapai Nawabganj district during January to July, 2016 through questionnaire survey method. The socio economic status of fishermen were studied in points of age structure, family size, educational status, daily income, subsidiary occupation, land ownership, housing pattern, sanitation, religion, training about fishing or other related matter. 36% fishermen were belonged to the age groups of 21-30 years where 25% in the age group of 31-40, 25% in 41-50, 9% in below 20 and the lowest 5% in above 50 age groups. Most of the fishermen are Muslim (96%).The family size of 72 % fishing community is consisted of 4-6 members. About 32% of the fishermen were only could write name while 12%, 49% and 7% of the fishermen were illiterate, primary and secondary level of education respectively. About 50% fishermen earn Tk. 200-300 per day during peak harvesting period but 54% fishermen were involved to subsidiary occupation in off season. Majority (70%) of the fishermen had 100 decimal lands and 9% were landless. Rather than fishing at present they are more interested in rearing domestic cow and mango business by taking loan facilities from NGOs at Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh.