With the ongoing 58-day fishing ban in full effect, coastal fishermen across the Bay of Bengal are passing idle and uncertain days. The annual ban, imposed to allow for the breeding and conservation of marine resources, has halted all fishing activities in the open sea.
During this downtime, many fishermen repair boats and fishing nets, while others spend rare, uninterrupted moments with their families. Some try to earn a little through odd jobs, but the lack of income creates financial hardship for many.
The usually bustling Cox’s Bazar Fish Landing Center, one of the busiest in the country, now lies eerily quiet. The clamor of fishermen, laborers, and wholesalers is gone; ice factories are shut down, and the entire area looks deserted.
The ban remains in place until May 20. After that, the fishermen are expected to return to sea in hopes of a fruitful season.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Hussain Shetu
