The monsoon has revived fishing activity along the Reju Khal in Cox’s Bazar, where local fishermen are once again hauling in native fish and freshwater crabs as rising water levels replenish the river.
Two fishermen returned from the river after several hours of fishing on a recent monsoon morning. Safiuddin, one of the fishermen, displayed a basket filled with a variety of small indigenous fish and crabs caught during the day’s trip.
Local fishermen said the increased water flow in rivers and canals during the rainy season creates favourable conditions for native fish, allowing them to resume small-scale fishing after months of limited catches.
They head out before dawn with nets and traditional traps, hoping to secure enough fish to support their families.
“I went to the river early this morning and managed to catch some small native fish and crabs,” Safiuddin said. “Some of the catch will be sold locally, and the rest will be kept for my family.”
Residents said such scenes are a familiar part of rural life during the monsoon, when the Reju Khal River regains its vitality. Alongside its seasonal natural beauty, the sight of fishermen returning with baskets of fresh fish and crabs reflects the enduring relationship between local communities and the river.
As monsoon rains breathe new life into the Reju Khal, the daily routines of its fishermen continue to represent both a vital source of livelihood and a living expression of the region’s river-based culture.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
