The waterlogged low-lying areas of Amtaillah village along the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive have become a seasonal fishing ground as residents take advantage of the monsoon rains to catch a variety of indigenous fish species.
Since the onset of the rainy season, villagers have been spending their days busy fishing in pools of accumulated rainwater, using nets, lift nets, and small traps from morning until evening.
A visit to the area showed men, women, and children wading through the waterlogged fields and open spaces, casting nets and setting traps in search of fish carried into the area by floodwaters and seasonal runoff.
The activity is providing households with a fresh supply of fish while also creating an opportunity for some residents to earn extra income by selling their catch at local markets.
Resident Zobayer said such scenes are common during the monsoon season.
“Every year, fish from nearby canals, wetlands, and water bodies are swept into low-lying areas by rainwater and hill runoff. This gives villagers an easy opportunity to catch fish close to their homes,” he said.
Another resident said that several kilograms of fish could often be caught in a single day.
“After meeting our family’s needs, we can sell the surplus in the local market. During the monsoon, fishing becomes both a source of enjoyment and a small but valuable source of income,” he said.
The seasonal abundance of fish has created a festive atmosphere in the village, with residents making the most of nature’s annual gift.
The sight of villagers fishing in rain-fed waters has also attracted the attention of passers-by, adding to the charm of rural life during the monsoon in Cox’s Bazar.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
