Promoting fishing profession and general well-being: A call for labour policy

Abstract Fishing is a longstanding occupation in the world. Small-scale fishing (SSF) communities of South Asia face many challenges in their lives and livelihoods. This study was conducted in one Jaladas village of southeastern Bangladesh to determine the conditions of fishing labours in big boats and provide some evidence-based recommendations for enhancing their holistic well-being. This study adopted the qualitative research design, specifically the Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A random survey of 50 households was conducted to find out socio-economic conditions. This paper finds that the young Jaladas are pushed away from their birth-ascribed occupation and engaged as fishing labours in big boats. Their existing working environment is like an ancient slavery system. Fishing labours are bound to work under such adversative conditions for survival. SSF communities become poorest of the poor due to lake of sufficient concentration from the government, NGOs, private sector, international development agencies and other actors. Moreover, relevant articles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and FAO initiated SSF Guidelines are not implemented properly in support of fishing labours working in large boats. Highest profit-earning mentality of commercial entrepreneurs, apathy, absence of rules of law; and non-recognition the rights of labours under small-scale fisheries sector in Labour Law of Bangladesh are major reasons for plights of fishing labours. Still research works are very inadequate in this area. Therefore, global human rights organizations are in dark from real scenario. This paper urged that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) should include prioritized needs of fishing labour as provisions during the amendment of Labour Law. Proper execution of Labour Law and establishing the rules of law are concerning issues for ensuring the well-being of fishing labours.


Introduction
Fishing is very risky and one of the oldest professions in living memory. Historically, SSF in marine and inland semi-subsistence production has contributed to employment, food security and socioeconomic development. Globally, fish consumption increased by 3.1% (annual average) from 1961 to 2017, while population growth was 1.6% over the same period. Fish production is higher than other animal protein products, milk, meat, and dairy products (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2020). , Rashid et al. (2020) and T. Islam et al. (2019) specified that Asia, particularly South Asian countries, account for the lion's share of global fish production, with almost 90%. SSF communities in South Asia are threatened by numerous problems, such as the negative impacts of climate change, inadequate governance, overfishing and a lack of sustainability.
Bangladesh secured second place for freshwater fish production. In terms of fish farming, Bangladesh ranked fifth, while China and India ranked first and second, respectively, globally (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2020). Marine fisheries contribute to national economic activity and are an essential source of per capita food (protein) consumption. Bangladesh secured an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 166,000 square kilometers. It has also settled a dispute over the setting of maritime boundary in 2012 and 2014 with Myanmar and India, respectively. Now it has territorial rights over 200 nautical miles. Department of Fisheries (DoF, 2018) revealed that marine capture fisheries account for 15.30% of the total fish production in Bangladesh. M. M. Islam (2011) cited that small fishing communities face problems of multi-dimensional poverty. They are socially excluded, powerless and deprived of their economic benefits. They also turn into impoverishment due to lack of control over natural capital. Alam (1996) pointed out that commercial entrepreneurs slowly took over the fishing occupation from artisanal fishermen. It is predicted that artisanal fishermen will become the de facto wage-labourers of financial investors in the fishing sector.
Based on the above life and livelihood challenges, Deb and Haque (2017) added that small-scale fishermen in Bangladesh are at the forefront of risk due to the adverse impacts of climate change. M. S. Islam (2003) revealed about conflicts between artisanal fishermen and crews of industrial fishing fleets over who control the fishing areas and gears. In addition, the torture of sea pirate significantly affects the small-scale fishermen and fishing labours from medium and large boats. This paper aims to examine the pushing out of Jaladas from their birth-ascribed occupation and nature of marginalization. It also describes the working conditions of fishing labours and major gaps within existing policy and legal instruments. In conclusion, this paper proposes recommendations for well-being of labours on big fishing boats of Bangladesh.

Literature review
International Labour Organization (ILO, 2020) found that the average per capita growth gap between middle and high income countries worldwide has widened sharply over the past 18 years. The main reasons for this are poor structural change, weak technology and lack of diversification and partial value created. In addition, lack of inclusiveness and poor economic growth hampers the ability of low-income countries to reduce poverty and improving working conditions. A total of 3.3 billion workers globally work under inhumane working conditions. The majority workers in low-income countries are vulnerable and forced to accept any work, regardless of its quality . They have had the bitter experience of working under poor conditions and living in extreme & moderate poverty (ibid, pp. 13-14). World Bank (WB (2020) indicated that the economies of South Asian countries are in a stage of demographic transition where the number of people of working age is still increasing. Bangladesh Planning Commission (2020) revealed that Bangladesh has an ample supply of untapped but low-skilled labours. Significant skills gaps are a worrying problem affecting both the public and private sectors. The growth of youth labour force is a potential demographic dividend and driving in Bangladesh's to be a developed country by 2041.
The Bangladesh Labour Force Survey  found that 4.6 million (i.e., 62.3%) young people aged 20 to 24 years are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). 71.7% of NEET youths live in rural areas. In addition, the employment rate from the age of 15 is 58.2%. Rashid (2013) revealed that Bangladesh's agriculture sector could not absorb surplus labours. The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) emphasizes on growth through industry and services. Bangladesh's fishing sector contributes 3.57% of the GDP and 1.5% to foreign exchange earnings (Department of Fisheries, 2018). Bangladesh Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) approved guidelines for fishermen registration of fisherman and Identity Card issuance in 2019. This policy states that prior to 2012, there were no adequate statistics on fishermen in Bangladesh. The DoF conducted a simple fishermen registration and online database project from January 2012 to June 2017. This project registered 1.62 million fishermen and gave them Identity Card. DoF update registry as part of its regular activities. However, the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (2015) cited that 510,000 people are marine water fishermen, most of whom are traditional artisanal. Labour engagement in fishing sector is increasing approximately 3.50% annually. M. G. Khan (2006) revealed that 92.7% of sea catch is landed by artisanal fishers who employ smaller and less efficient fishing boats and gear to catch post-larvae and juvenile fish. Marine Fisheries Office (Marine Fisheries Office, 2019) revealed that artisanal fishers contribute 83.72% of total marine catches.
M. M. Islam (2013) found that marginalized fishermen in Bangladesh face numerous endogenous and exogenous problems. Their vulnerabilities vary between household cohorts within same fishing community, based on level of adaptive capacity. Significant problems, which are not exhaustive, include declining per-unit catches, limited income, lack of access to formal banks for low-interest loans, poorly maintained fishing vessels, inaccurate weather forecast, underestimation of hurricane occurrence, sea pirates, limited access to education, lack of alternative livelihoods and unfavorable conditions for marketing of fishes. BILS (2015) categorized fishing work into different areas such as fishing, fish farming/aquaculture, post-harvest activities, fish marketing and economic activities to support fish farming, such as manufacturing of fishing gears, maintenance, and fish feed. It also shows that labour rights in fishing sector are very deplorable. For instance, 92.4% of the fishing workers do not have a certificate, 99.6% do not receive training, and 96.9% do not have pension. Of these, a total 92.7% are terminated without notice. Respondents to that study came from mixed background and did not focus on work in marine fishing in terms of rights and working environment. This is one of the significant addressed in existing paper. In Bangladesh, fishing literature mainly focuses on biological aspects and mostly overlooks human issues and concerns, particularly inadequate literature on traditional Hindu fishing communities. Therefore, the authors strive to generate new knowledge through this paper that will fill the research gap on a small-scale.

Study design
In addition, a survey was conducted among 50 households (randomly) to learn some critical information about fishing village like income, financial indebtedness, housing, assets, education, health, and work. In particular, current study follows the causes and effects approach that summarizes the respondents' experience. Facts and figures from survey have been aligned with views of respondents for strengthening justification. The study design outlines different stages of process to achieve a better understanding and fulfillment of the goal.

Study respondents
This study was conducted in South Dhurung fishing village under South Dhurung Union Parishad (UP), Kutubdia, Cox's Bazar. Jaladas live in this village about 98 kilometers from Cox's Bazar district. Kutubdia is a remote island with no industrialization. Barua et al. (2017) indicated that Kutubdia was 73.007 square kilometers in 1975 and currently has 65.62 square kilometers due to erosion by sea-level rise. With this research technique, household survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were followed to address questions and about of the study objective. A total of 210 households live in the fishing village of South Dhurung of which 20 households are involved in fish sales. Living in study village, head of a Hindu fishing family, and any sex group were pre-conditions for selecting respondent of household survey. Side by side, willingness and consent of interviewees who are confirm to be mentally stable of minimum 18 years meets the essential inclusion criteria for respondent selection. The fishing households of South Dhurung village were listed from 1 to 190. Total 50 households were selected randomly. By following the lottery method, number from 1 to 190 was written on small pieces of paper and kept in a box. Then, a total of 50 pieces of paper were selected on random basis. Van and Angehrn (2017) indicated that standard size of participants in one FGD is 6 to 12; but smaller group is informative. By following suggestion of scholars, first author selected 10 male members for one-hour FGD session. Voluntary participation, living in South Dhurung fishing village, minimum 18 years old, having knowledge about fishing community or experienced as a fishing labour, and mentally fit were major inclusion criteria to be a participant of FGD. Negri and Thomas (2003) suggested that research topic is main flagship of discussions and carried out by corresponding sub-topics. First author emphasized on balanced and inclusive discussion; and completely avoided personal judgment. Local dialect was used for simple understanding of participants and better responses.

Data collection
This study used two types of data collection tools (questionnaire and tape recorder). The first author went from door to door with a questionnaire and interviewed the head of household for the survey. A social worker was assigned to review the information provided by respondents. In some cases, the data was compared with the respondents' neighbours in consultative process. The study adopted the FGD to record the interviewees' interactive dialogue with examples from their lives and livelihoods. Field notes were taken of instances of pains and pleasures with respondents' real life experience. Azman et al. (2021) and Azman et al. (2020) suggested that data analysis should follow a systematic process and categorize common themes based on field notes and figures from participants' context and events. The paper aims to examine the employment pattern of Jaladas community and working conditions from a provisions and rights perspective. It also intends to provide recommendations for improving the well-being of fishing workers and the SSF community.

Data analysis procedure
The key theme i.e., working conditions of fishing workers in a big boat from Jaladas village and improving their well-being were broken into sub-themes. Finally, sub-themes were huddled into different categories for fulfilling the study objective. Findings of household survey and FGD were described under particular headings, like Changing Pattern of Employment, Nature of Economic Development, Working Environment of Fishing Labours, Health and Safety, Psychological Condition, and Gaps in Existing Policy and Legal Instruments. Findings were consistent in light of study's objective.

Ethical considerations
The authors followed all ethical considerations at every stage, from data collection to publication of this paper. The main author has clearly stated the purpose of this academic research and respected the privacy and confidentiality of all data, information and comments of participants. Participation in this study is voluntary. The author at all-time avoids leading & sensitive questions and assured the respondents that no one would be able to identify the participants. Present study interpreted field results from multiple perspectives. Therefore, authors controlled all extraneous variables that could alter accurate data collection, critical analysis and interpretation. The main author created congenial environment by considerable seating arrangement. Participants were encouraged to speak spontaneously without shyness or hesitation. The authors observed absolute confidentiality by not revealing the names of respondents. This paper has adequately acknowledged findings and references from other relevant literature. Of the three authors, they had no personal interest nor worked in the study village.

Background of respondents
A total of 10 male members of fishing village participated in the FGD. The head of 50 households were contacted for a questionnaire survey. Head of household was principal respondent of survey. In this village, selected interviewees were males because they were household head. In addition, males were employed as fishing workers is large boats. Thus, male became respondent of survey and participant of FGD without any biasness. Average age of household survey respondents was 41.64 years. The profile of SSF participants and household level respondents is given in Tables 1 and 2.

Changing pattern of employment
A household survey shows that 60% of all respondents work as paid fishermen on large mechanized fishing boats; 94% of respondents also indicated that their fathers were involved using wooden boat to fish (wooden boat with oars and sails). The employment pattern of South Dhurung fishing village is depicted in Table 3: Above table depicts the changing pattern of occupation among generation in Jaladas community. Each of the respondents was keen to tell stories of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers about plenty of fish catches. The general belief was that they were fishermen. This study explores that some rich people of South Dhurung Union Parishad, Kutubdia introduced medium size   FGD Participant-7 told, "Financial supports, training and income-generating activities for family members of Jaladas are slim from the government, NGOs, and private sector. Moreover, the entrance of Muslims into fishing occupation after the cyclone of 1991 is another cause of increasing artisanal fishers in nearer shores. Many donor agencies provided fishing boats and gears to affected Muslims for their rehabilitation. Increase of Muslims in small-scale fishing and decreasing of fish quantities create serious income erosion among Jaladas community. As a result, male persons of Jaladas village are engaged in fishing labours in big boats. Survival on earth is key reason to choose this risky occupation."

Nature of economic development
This paper intends to measure the economic development of selected households based on five areas, including monthly income, financial debt, land ownership, fishing assets, and house types.

Income distribution
Artisanal fishers do not keep a monthly income records, and their income is mostly depends on the season. The Hilsa season (Mid-June to End-September) is the best session for income generating activities. Fishing workers on big boats receive fixed wages for almost nine months. Table 4 shows the monthly income of artisanal fishermen and fishing households: Notably, 44% of households (fishers 36% and fishing labour 8%) comprise the income of other earning members. Earning member(s) are involved in child labour, females working in a clothing factory, and fishing among others. FGD Participant-5 stated, "From Mid-October to Mid-June, the fish catches are low. In few cases, we cannot recover even fuel costs." As of 2015, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) restricts fishing in the Bay of Bengal from 20 May to 23 July (65-day) each year. Season of hilsa catching starts from Mid-June, while observing restriction policy until 23 July of every year.

Financial indebtedness
A household survey indicates that 50% respondents have loans from Taka 40,000/-to 159,999/-. A significant percentage (24.00) of households is behind credit facilities. Due to extreme poverty level, they are mostly neglected by all financial actors. They get local loans mainly from relative/ neighbor/friend with highest interest rate (interest: > 120%). Table 5 shows the position of households' debts:

Land ownership
In the Bangladeshi context, the land is a significant contributing factor in the rural economy. The trend of land ownership between respondents and their fathers is given in Table 6: This paper categorized measurement of land based on Census of Agriculture Bangladesh-2008, published by BBS in 2011. Above classification of land has also been followed by Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey-2016, printed by BBS in 2019. Land ownership of interviewees of survey i.e., respondents and their fathers presented in table. Socio-political factors are also responsible, along with the economic crisis, for decreasing lands of Jaladas. FGD Participant-10 said about oppression to Jaladas by few Muslims since long. According to him, "We are artisanal fishermen from generation to generation. Muslims encroached land of ours by giving a nominal price and pressured us to sell lands. We are weak to raise our collective voice due to religious minorities and low caste. Some Muslims exploit us in many aspects, likely forcefully fishing at our traditional faar (space to fix-up nets), pressurize to sell fish at a lower price, attack at our temple and house during religious riots in the neighboring country, interfere in our community decision, etc."

Fishing assets
Nets (gill-net and set-bag net), country boats with oars, and mechanized boats are major fishing assets in the village. At present, physical labour in fishing boat has dominated at the list of assets. Tables 7 and 8 represent assets of the respondent and their father:

Types of houses
Housing is a basic human right. The condition of houses is worse than in an urban slum. The condition and structure (wall) of the respondents' houses are given in Table 9.
Most of the houses are thatched and roofed with polythene plastic. Overall, 84% of households live in a house owned by father, grandfather, and Asrayan (rehabilitation project by the government). The rest of the households (16%) live in a self-built house.

murdered by the joint operation of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Police, Coast Guard and Navy within the previous three years. But the torture of pirates is rampant in mid-sea. Pirates injure and kill fishing labours; abduct and demand ransoms. News of piracy in mid-sea is always underreported by electronic and print media. As a result, nobody properly knows the plight of fishing labours."
It is found that number of fishing labours in large boats is gradually increasing. Fishing labours do not have appointment letter, ID card, training, specified working hours; fixed and low wages, not other benefits rather than cash incentives, no leisure, very little scope of communication with family members, lack of treatment facility, no predetermined leave, deduction of wages during sick and verbal leave, no life insurance by initiative of boat owner, insufficient life-saving equipment, serious risks of robbery & abduction, and hassle by law enforcing agencies of neighboring countries.

Psychological condition
Jaladas had culture-led psychological bottleneck to abandon the fishing occupation. Fishing in the middle of the sea is a very risky occupation. Psychological factors are always important for resilience in the area of disaster management. The anxieties associated with fishing profession and fear of the dangers of being at the middle of sea, lack of life-saving equipment, fear of sea piracy and long-time detachment from family members and relatives are significant psychological factors that can increase level of depression and psychological trauma. In addition, members of Jaladas communities have a vulnerable psychological aspect to cope with struggles for life and livelihoods.

Major gaps in policy and legal instruments
Bangladesh's National Labour Policy of 2012 makes a strong commitment to align current labour law and other regulations with the standards of international documents. For example, the ILO Conventions, emphasizing the holistic well-being of employees in formal & non-formal sectors. Rashid (2013) quoted, "Bangladesh Labour Law was passed on 15 July 2013 in parliament. Bangladesh Labour Law (Amendment 2010) was enacted on 13 May 2010. It amended mainly age, that is, sixty years instead of fifty-seven; nothing else." Bangladesh Labour Law (Amendment 2018) was passed on 14 November 2018 in parliament. Whatsoever; issues and concerns of National Labour Law 2006 are still widely followed with amendment. National Labour Law 2006 addresses, but not limited to, conditions of service and employment, age, maternity benefit, special provisions relating to health, hygiene and safety, welfare, working hours and leave, wages and payment, and workers compensation for injury by accident. Though newly amended labour law includes some sectors, as for example agriculture, ship-breaking, shipbuilding; but does not serve all sectors and segments like small-scale fishing. Bangladeshi Labour Law-2006 particularly addresses the "Fishing Trawlers" and "Fish Processing Industry"; unfortunately, small-scale capture fisheries are overlooked. Large boats are typically used for mid-sea fishing. A section of Bangladesh Labour Law,presumably 5,[6][7][8]19,20,78 KA,[100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119]150,[138][139][140][141][142]176 emphasized in its sections to have an ID Card with photo face and appointment letter; keeping service book by employer and register of working hour; death benefit to nominee; one-month prior notice before retrenched; ensuring Personal Protective Equipment; workers are entitled for holidays, leave, overtime with regular wages; each worker is entitled to get compensation for occupational hazards and accidents; provisions for minimum wages; and freedom of workers to form and join trade unions are seriously neglected due to non-recognition of rights and safeguards protected under the law for labours in the small-scale fisheries sector, hereby, on large boats; and limited oversight to working conditions in vessels by respective authorities. Bangladesh has Occupational Health and Safety Policy-2013 which focuses sectoral approach of Labour Law and refers mostly to workers of industries; as for example garments sector and heavy industry. Thus, health and safety issues of fishing labours on large boats are overlooked in Bangladeshi policy framework though they are employed at risky occupation. Mercantile Marine Office (MMO) of Bangladesh is responsible for issuing certificate regarding registration and inspection of fishing boats. It has guideline and format for scrutinizing fitness of fishing boats, health and safety of crews. Unfortunately, sometimes certificate is issued without physical verification. Lack of manpower, negligence of duty, and financial corruption are major causes for such certification.

Discussion and implication
In previous studies, national and international policy & legal instruments have been aligned to describe issues concerning fishing in Bangladesh. In this section, findings are critically discussed to achieve the goals of this study. Finally, this paper emphasizes policy recommendations to improve well-being of fishing labourers employed in big boats and their families. Alam (1996) and Singh et al. (2019) predicted that artisanal fishers will become waged labourers because commercial entrepreneurs dominate and take over fishing activities. Alam's prediction has been truthfully proved by existing literature. For example, 60% of respondents were employed as fishing labourers in the big boats, while 94% of their fathers were fishermen. Dastidar (2009) has shown that traditional fishermen have been weakened by different capitalists' technological innovation in modern fishing. New arrangements of capital-mediated production; the capitalists are influential in the socio-economic and political power structure. This study proves that overexploitation of fishery resources by capital expansionists is an alarming issue and serious livelihood challenges for traditional Jaladas community. Young generations have limited set of skills and financial capital for engaging in alternative income generating activities. As a result, they have to choose this risky occupation, that is, fishing labours in large boats as a merely survival approach.
The present study shows that the monthly income of 98% households is below the national average (Taka 15,984/-). They are the poorest of poor. The study findings show that value of the respondents' fishing assets has decreased compared to their father. It proves the sharp decline of fishing assets and ownership. They are increasingly marginalized in terms of income, land ownership and fishing assets. Andriesse et al. (2021) indicated that overfishing by commercial entrepreneurs, illegal fishing, climate change, population pressure and pollution increase marginalization of artisanal fishing communities in the Philippines and Thailand. Results of Andriesse et al. (2021) are almost similar with the findings of this study. The people of fishing villages accept as a truth that financial capital is a powerful tool to improve livelihoods. Zaman et al. (2020) proved that microfinance makes an immense contribution to poverty reduction in Bangladesh. It has improved and strengthened women's income-generating activities. Scully (2004) mentioned that microfinance in Bangladesh has not reach the poor. S. Khan (2009) also claimed that some leading MFIs avoid the poorest of poor from income-generating activities. The result of Scully (2004) andS. Khan (2009) is similar with the present research work. Women from fishing village have potential and are interested in doing different IGAs like grocery, handicrafts, cow-fattening, duck-rearing, dairy, and dry-fish processing, among others. The Jaladas community as a whole is disadvantaged due to lack of governmental initiative and supports from nongovernmental organizations.  mentioned that natural disasters on Bangladesh coast increase due to climate change. The Bengali National Level Newspaper of Bangladesh, revealed that 18 fishing boats with 160 fishermen sank on 4 February 2022, in Fairway Buoy Area (i.e., southwestern Sundarbans zone of Pathorghata in Barguna district). Two fishermen found dead after the rescue; 14 fishermen and two fishing boats were still missed. It was gathered that there is no cellular network coverage and Radio frequency at mid-sea. Therefore, it is difficult to predict weather condition and danger signals. Life-saving Buoy and Jacket are available in big fishing boats. However, the pursuit of endangered boats and deployment of fast rescue vessels in certain sea zones of mid-sea are most significant in saving the lives of fishermen. THE HINDU (2020) stated that Fisheries Department of Karnataka, India took decision for issuing biometric ID cards (QR code-based) to ensure the safety and benefits of marine fishermen. Habib (1992) opined that Jaladas had psychological reluctant to change fishing occupation due to cultural and sociopolitical influences. This paper proves that the youth, although somewhat different from the fishing profession, work as fishermen in big boats. In addition, their mindset has changed a bit to switch from fishing related activities but, in many extents, they do not have formal education, relevant training, skills, financial capitals, and social network for getting a decent and sustainable job. Gow and Paton (2008) and Halim et al. (2020) identified that psychological aspects are significant for resilience in disaster management. In most cases, fishermen on big boats stay at mid-sea for over nine months. They are deprived from communication with family members and relatives. The mental health of fishing labourers must be given humane consideration. The hardship of fishing labourers is more miserable than the ancient slavery. They do not have a choice but to do it for existence.
The Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) emphasis on workers' rights is captured in Articles 23 and 24. These are: (a) the rights to enjoy favorable conditions including minimum & fair wages, decent living conditions for workers and their families; (b) healthy and safe working conditions; (c) leisure, free time and reasonable working hours, public holiday, periodic holiday along with pay; and (d) a fisherman has the freedom to join in the trade union. FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries emphasize human rights-based standards and environmental sustainability. The main areas are: (a) recognizing the value and role of small-scale fisheries from human rights perspectives, developing management policies by involvement fishermen in decision-making process; (b) addressing the basic needs of small-scale fishing communities, including access to healthcare, education, safe drinking water, and adequate housing, among others; (c) providing social security; (d) ensure access to insurance and credit; (e) promotion of decent working environment, including amendment of legislation for occupational safety and health, securing safety at sea; (f) eradication of bonded labour and forced labour; and (g) support for supplementary or alternative income-generating activities. The field findings reveal that the fishermen's working hours and enjoying public holidays or workers' leave are not compatible. Due to the nature of work, it is a very risky occupation. However, ensuring safety measures, issues & concerns of physical and mental health of fishing labourers are overlooked by the fishing boat owners. They are mostly having profit-oriented mindsets. Commercial entrepreneurs have apathy because rights and safety measures of fishing labours in large boats are not well defined and acknowledged by Bangladesh Labour Law. Occupational Health and Safety Policy-2013 of Bangladesh has also ignored the well-being of fishing labours who work at jeopardy condition in large boats.

Recommendation
The conditions of fishing labourers in SSF communities of Bangladesh are in inhumane. Jaladas are more vulnerable due to their different socio-economic, political and cultural settings. Many policies and legal initiatives by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and proper implementation are urgently needed to secure the rights of these vulnerable professions. Safety measures with decent working environment and improve living standards are strongly recommended for the well-being of fishing workers in the Bangladesh's capture fisheries sector, as discussed below:

Policy and legal initiatives
Destructive fishing gears must be banned to reduce overexploitation. Proper management of fisheries resources under state leadership will contribute to the national economy and prevent artisanal fishermen from abandoning their originally inherited profession. Bangladesh Parliament passed Marine Fisheries Act, 2020 after repealing the Marine Fisheries Ordinance, 1983. Marine Fisheries Rules, 2020 is under process. Short-term, mid-term & long-term plan and its proper implementation are necessary to ensure well-being of marginalized fishermen, contribution in national economy, and sustainability of fishery resources. Bangladesh has Industrial Marine Fisheries Management Plan. It is needful to prepare Artisanal Marine Fisheries Management Plan and addressing provisions for marginalized fishermen likely financial support, capacity building, safety measure, insurance, easy registration of artisanal fishing boats, proper mesh-size, surveillance, and so on, in this plan. Preparation and proper execution of Artisanal Marine Fisheries Management Plan will help to arrest the exodus of marginalized fishermen from their traditional occupation. Bangladesh Navy vigilance should be increased to protect fishermen from pirates on the high seas.

Improving living quality
The 2014 SSF Guidelines, initiated by FAO, place a strong emphasis on improving the living standards of family members in SSF communities. The government should be proactive in providing social security for family member(s) of fishing labourers when they are out of the community to attend to duty calls. Government and NGOs need to facilitate soft or low-interest loans, capacity building, technical support or assistance and to select suitable income-generating activities, especially for women and youths. In the light of study findings, the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) and donor agencies should focus more on Jaladas village, particularly on awareness-raising, quality education, reducing dropout from schools, vocational training, climate-resilient housing, cyclone shelter, access to healthcare, and supportive safety nets. The involvement of the private sector and, in particular, the contribution of the significant big boat-owners in the SSF communities are most important, as fishing labours put their lives at risk for their employers' profits. Donations to SSF communities should be a moral obligation and social responsibility of the big fishing boat owners.

Implication of labour law
National Labour Law 2006 of Bangladesh has been revised and enacted as Labour Law (Amendment 2018). But concerns of fishing labours are not addressed in this law due to nonrecognition of small-scale fisheries sector. The Bangladesh Labour Law needs to be amended to consider the priority provisions for fishing work in large boats. Periodical paid leave for the fishermen to meet family members, and relatives is a significant concern to free them from the psychological trauma of overexploitation and modern slavery. It is essential to establish a Minimum Wage Authority for fisheries labourers to enjoy salaries, pension, and gratuity. In addition, provisions should also be included for certificates of appointment, insurance, treatment facilities, accident compensation and the carrying of appropriate safety equipment on the fishing boat. Department of Fisheries (DoF) must ensure a biometric Identity Card (QR code-based) for all fishermen & fishing labours to trace them when they are in danger to immediate rescue and provide them necessary supports. In all cases, as the cyclone frequency has increased recently, the fishing boat fitness certificate must be issued by on-site inspection. The implementation of the above regulations and compliance of fishing boat owners to the legislation are essential elements to ensure welfare of fishing labourers and sustainability of fishery resources. In align with labour law, the global human rights organization should work with state and non-state actors in Bangladesh for well-being of fishing labourers. Human rights and development organizations must focus on sectoral reform, capacity building of respective institutions, technical supports, research, mass awareness building, and coordination among stakeholders for socio-economic development of fishing labours and SSF communities, hereby, Jaladas villages.

Conclusion
This paper proves that generations of Jaladas village are being driven from their traditionally inherited occupation due to the desperate behaviour of capital expansionists. Entrepreneurs with high profit never think about environmental protection and turning the SSF communities into economic marginalization in terms of income, land ownership, fishing assets, and house conditions. Therefore, relevant departments such as local government, health, education, banks, civil protection, law enforcement, child and women's affairs, social welfare, and youth development, among others, should work in an integrated manner for the interest of the people in SSF communities in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi NGOs and private sector should increase their concentration and program interventions for improvement of such economically and socially downtrodden people. The work conditions of fishing labourers working in fishing boats are very disappointing, which may be similar to ancient slavery. The SSF Guidelines of FAO and Article of Bangladesh Labour Law are not fully applied and followed by respective stakeholders. This paper urged that the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) particularly the Ministry of Labour and Employment to recognize and address issues & concerns and take the necessary initiatives for its proper implementation. It is strongly demanded, by this paper, for professionalism of Mercantile Marine Office (MMO) of Bangladesh to certify fitness of fishing boats, health and safety equipment of fishing labours. Monitoring and oversee by respective authorities are very essential in this regard. Global human rights organizations need to focus intensely on these fisheries work and strive to secure their rights under the eyes of the people and citizens of the world.