United News of Bangladesh

A socially excluded fishing community in coastal Barishal has, for the first time, elected its own leadership body through a participatory vote, marking a significant step toward inclusive governance and climate resilience. The initiative took place in Laharhat, a river-dependent area in Barishal sadar, where members of the Manta community formed a “Manta Management Committee” aimed at improving their living conditions and social inclusion. The Manta are a traditionally nomadic, river-based fishing community in Bangladesh, often living on boats and moving along rivers and coastal areas in search of livelihood. Over the years, they have remained socially and economically marginalised, with limited access to land ownership, education, healthcare and formal civic participation, including voting rights and government services. Information Minister calls for transparent family card distribution in Barishal