With rough weather keeping tourists away from Cox’s Bazar’s Kakra Beach, the shoreline has taken on a different character as fishers spend the day battling the sea to make a living.
From morning until evening, dozens of fishers from nearby areas cast their nets into the surf, undeterred by strong waves and overcast skies. For many, the beach doubles as both a workplace and a dining room.
Abu Taher, a fisher, said he arrived at Kakra Beach around 9:00 am and brought a packed lunch from home.
“When I get hungry, I sit by the sea and eat before returning to fishing,” he said. “From morning until noon, I caught about one kilogramme of small marine fish. If I can stay until evening, I may catch two to three kilogrammes. On a good day, some fishers even manage four to five kilogrammes.”
Fishers said they travel to Kakra Beach from Kutupalong, Ukhiya, Goalia, and surrounding areas, carrying fishing gear and food to stay on the beach all day.
At lunchtime, many were seen sitting on the sand eating home-cooked meals before heading back into the surf.
Despite the rough sea and the uncertainty of each catch, they continue working throughout the day in the hope of earning enough to support their families.
Local residents said that while adverse weather has sharply reduced the number of tourists at Kakra Beach, the shoreline remains busy with fishers whose daily struggle for a living continues regardless of the conditions.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
