Khulna: About one lakh natural resource collectors are passing their days amid great anxiety as they are not getting any documents from the Forest Department permitting them to continue their jobs in the Sundarban.

About 30,000 Bawalis (wood collectors) and Mawalis (honey collectors) and 70,000 fishermen cannot continue their jobs for not getting renewed permits.  

The fishermen and others related to the professions are deeply frustrated as they did not get their BLCs (boat license certificates) from the authorities concerned after completing preparations, including repair of their boats spending huge money.

Bawalis start collecting Golpata (a type of grass used in making house roofs) in the month of November that continues up to March next year.

Besides, Mawalis start collecting honey in April that continues till June, which is the peak season for the job.  

Some people collect malia (a kind of grass for making mat) which continues from September to October.

The fishermen go to the Sundarbans after getting passes for catching fish and crabs.

Rabiul Islam of Gorerdanga in Chandkhali union in Mongla upazila said over 300 boats are being used in the area for collecting Golpata and each boat costs Tk3-5 lakh.  

At least 10 workers are employed in each boat.  

About 30,000 people are involved in collecting Golpata.  

Habibur Rahman Gazi, owner of a boat of Dhamrail village, said if the Bawalis do not collect Golpata from the Sundarbans in time, then those will rot.