At Najirartek in Cox’s Bazar, local fishermen are spending their days weaving nets along the seashore. Their work begins at the crack of dawn, stretching across the coastline as they prepare for the upcoming fishing season. The area is known for producing large, sturdy nets used by deep-sea trawlers.

Crafting these nets by hand requires both skill and patience. Some fishermen spend several days weaving a single net. With the peak fishing season approaching, the workload has noticeably increased.

Hamidullah, a local fisherman, said, “We make our living from weaving these nets. Making nets for large trawlers is laborious and time-consuming. Strong, high-quality nets are essential for a successful catch at sea. Though life is risky, the sea and this work are what sustain us.”

Local youth Arif added that Najirartek is not only a prominent fishing hub but also an important centre for net-making. The bustling activity of net-weaving vividly reflects the livelihood and resilience of the fishing community in Najirartek.

By Mohammad Morshed

Photo: Mohammad Morshed