Cox’s Bazar has emerged as a thriving hub for boat and fishing trawler manufacturing, creating significant employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy.
Despite limited formal training, skilled artisans rely on years of hands-on experience to build hundreds of trawlers annually, supporting the livelihoods of countless workers and craftsmen.
The industry plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s fisheries and maritime transport sectors, with boats and trawlers from Cox’s Bazar in high demand nationwide. Local craftsmen build new vessels and excel in repair, maintenance, and artistic boat painting, adding value to the trade.
Millions of taka are invested in this sector annually, making it a vital economic driver. Business owners believe that the industry could expand further with more significant support and sponsorship from the government and local authorities, creating even more employment and boosting the region’s economy.
The boat and trawler manufacturing industry in Cox’s Bazar is a testament to how traditional craftsmanship, supported by investment and infrastructure, can strengthen a community’s socio-economic fabric.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Rajin Saleh
