Bangladesh lawmakers urge a dedicated allowance and social protection scheme for “Tiger Widows” of the Sundarbans, highlighting poverty, stigma and the urgent need for rehabilitation support.
Lawmakers in Bangladesh are pushing for urgent government support for women who have lost their husbands to tiger attacks in the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. These women, locally known as “Tiger Widows,” face severe economic hardship, social exclusion and struggle to sustain their families.
Gazi Nazrul Islam, Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, raised the issue during Sunday’s parliamentary question and answer session. Addressing Social Welfare Minister Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul, he urged the government to introduce a dedicated allowance and social protection programme for Tiger Widows, alongside support for their children’s education and family rehabilitation.
“Many people in my coastal constituency depend on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods, including honey collection, fishing and wood gathering. Tragically, tiger attacks have claimed the lives of several breadwinners, leaving their families vulnerable. These widows are locally referred to as ‘Tiger Widows,’” said Gazi Nazrul Islam.
He noted that earlier initiatives under former minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid had planned financial aid and the establishment of a centre to support these families, but the project was never implemented.
“Given the reality of coastal life and the risks involved, the state must support these families. A targeted programme would ensure financial and social security for Tiger Widows and help their children pursue education,” he added.
Social Welfare Minister Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul told parliament that the government has introduced a family card programme targeting women as a universal initiative which will include Tiger Widows. She said authorities will examine whether it is feasible to develop a dedicated social protection scheme specifically for Tiger Widows, providing financial support and access to public services.
Life as a Tiger Widow and stigma
Tiger Widows often face deep social stigma. Traditional beliefs label them as inauspicious, excluding them from cultural or religious events and discouraging remarriage. Many continue to struggle to support their families, taking up day labour, fishing or other informal work.
Rokeeya Begum, a widow from Koira Upazila in Khulna, said, “Since my husband’s death, I have struggled to raise my children. I have worked as a daily labourer and sometimes caught fish in the rivers to keep the family going.”
In Koira Upazila alone, approximately 750 Tiger Widows live, while Shyamnagar Upazila in Satkhira has around 1,165. Similar communities exist in Mongla, Morelganj, Shoronkhola and Dacope, though exact numbers remain unclear.
Government and NGO Initiatives
Local authorities and NGOs have begun rehabilitating Tiger Widows through vocational training, skill building programmes and employment initiatives. Officials are also compiling lists of Tiger Widows to ensure targeted assistance.
YouthNet Global has also highlighted the issue through its EcoMen initiative, focusing on challenging social stigma and advocating social protection. Executive Coordinator Sohanur Rahman said, “Tiger Widows face both economic hardship and deep social exclusion. EcoMen advocates inclusive policies and social protection to restore dignity and security for these women.”
A Broader Perspective
The plight of Tiger Widows highlights the intersection of human livelihoods, wildlife conservation and social protection in Bangladesh’s coastal regions. Conservation measures have reduced tiger attacks in the Sundarbans but risks remain for forest dependent communities.
“By providing support to Tiger Widows, the state can ensure financial security, protect children’s education and uphold social justice for communities living on the frontline of human wildlife conflict,” said lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam.
