The Struggle for Survival Under the Shadow of the Sundarbans

We often hear about Bangladesh’s coastal communities during cyclones, tidal surges and natural disasters. At that time, television screens, social media platforms and newspaper headlines highlight the vulnerability of coastal people. However, once the disasters pass, the everyday struggles of these communities rarely receive attention. Yet their biggest challenges remain access to safe drinking water, employment opportunities and basic civic facilities.Burir Dabar village, located in Ward No. 9 of Laudope Union under Dacope Upazila of Khulna district, is one such community. Situated very close to the Sundarbans, the people of this village spend their lives struggling against nature. Most families here depend on the forest for their livelihoods. Some collect honey, some catch crabs, while others collect keora fruits and sell them in local markets. Behind every income opportunity lies a significant risk.They enter the forest despite the dangers of tiger attacks, crocodiles, venomous snakes, strong river currents and sudden adverse weather conditions. They take these risks because their families depend on the income they earn from the forest.But when people who work under such dangerous conditions return home and cannot even find a glass of safe drinking water, how meaningful is the story of development for them?The biggest challenge faced by the people of Burir Dabar village is access to safe water. Rainwater remains their primary source of drinking water. During the monsoon, they collect and store rainwater, trying to use it throughout much of the year. However, most families do not have water tanks with sufficient storage capacity. Although some tanks have been provided through initiatives by non-government organisations, they are far fewer than the actual needs of the entire village.As a result, many families run out of stored water before the rainy season ends. After that, they face the difficult reality of collecting water from distant sources.This crisis is not only about water; it is also a crisis of time, labour and health. Valuable hours of family members are spent every day just collecting water. If this time could be used for education, farming, income-generating activities or other essential household needs, their lives could improve significantly.At the same time, the employment crisis is becoming increasingly severe. Alternative sources of income outside forest-based livelihoods are extremely limited. As a result, when the forest is closed or work is disrupted due to natural causes, many families lose their income. Food insecurity then becomes a harsh reality. Many families are forced to depend on loans to survive.The government and various development organisations have implemented several projects to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, the reality remains that many families are still deprived of safe water, sustainable employment opportunities and necessary infrastructure. Development cannot be considered complete if its benefits do not reach the most vulnerable communities.The demands of the people of Burir Dabar village are simple: a rainwater harvesting tank for every family, sustainable access to safe drinking water and alternative employment opportunities. These are not special privileges; they are basic rights of citizens.The challenges of coastal areas are becoming more complex due to the impacts of climate change. Salinity is increasing, freshwater sources are declining and pressure on livelihoods is growing. In this situation, relief assistance or post-disaster support alone is not enough. Long-term planning is needed, giving equal importance to safe water, livelihoods, education, healthcare and climate-resilient infrastructure.We often talk about protecting the Sundarbans. But without improving the quality of life of the people living beside the forest for generations, the goal of conserving the Sundarbans will remain incomplete. These communities know the forest better than anyone, depend on it for survival and will benefit the most when the forest remains healthy and protected.Development will become meaningful only when a mother in Burir Dabar no longer worries about providing a safe glass of water to her child. When a forest-dependent worker knows that after risking his life for a livelihood, his family’s basic needs will at least be secured.The responsibility of the state and society towards coastal communities should not exist only during disasters; it must continue every day of the year. Because they are not merely people living on the margins of the coast—they are equal citizens of this country with equal rights.Opinion & AnalysisKayes Ahmed Selim Investigative Journalist, The Daily Jugantor Managing Director, Vaiya Broadcast Limited