For the past year, boatman Fazlu Mia has been diligently working to catch sucker fish from the Buriganga River, leading to a significant reduction in their infestation. According to the Dhaka District Fisheries Office, there has been a noticeable decline in the population of this invasive species.
Once heavily infested with sucker fish, the Buriganga River now sees a much lower number of them, thanks to Fazlu's tireless efforts. He initially began catching the fish out of frustration, as they were disrupting the local fish populations. Using cast nets, he consistently removed them, even finding a market for some by selling them to poultry and fish farms.
The local boatmen have recognized Fazlu's dedication, and his story has spread widely on social media, earning him the nickname "viral Fazlu." However, experts have cautioned that the sucker fish could return during the monsoon season, leading Fazlu to prepare larger nets to continue his efforts in the future.
