In the soft glow of the morning sun at Daria Nagar Beach in Cox’s Bazar, a lone fisherman walks with steady steps—his bamboo-made khalui slung over one shoulder and an old fishing net in hand.
Like every day, he heads toward the sea—toward another day of uncertainty, struggle, and hope.
Local fishermen of Darya Nagar say they set out to sea at dawn, carrying their khalui and nets.
Some cast their nets in the shallow waters near the shore, while others venture farther out to trap small fish.
The khalui, a traditional bamboo basket, remains an indispensable part of their lives—used to hold the day’s catch until they return to land.
Despite the unpredictable tides, storms, and rising fuel costs, these coastal fishermen continue their battle for survival—driven by resilience and faith.
Some sell their catches directly in local markets, while others work under contracts with trawler owners.
“Every morning, I step out with my khalui on my shoulder,” said fisherman Nurul Alam. “I never know how much I’ll catch, but the fear of returning empty-handed is always there. Still, this sea is our only hope.”
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
