The winter season brings a nostalgic revival of rural fishing traditions in Amatali village near Cox’s Bazar’s Marine Drive. As water levels in canals, ponds, rivers, and paddy fields recede, the area is witnessing a vibrant buzz of fishing activities—reminiscent of a time when fishing was not just a livelihood but a joyous community festival.
In Amatali’s wetlands, people of all ages come together to fish, creating a rare and heartwarming scene of unity and celebration. Groups of villagers wade into the waters, their faces alight with excitement and happiness, evoking a lost era of rural charm and simplicity.
Both professional fishers and hobbyists have joined the seasonal fishing frenzy, which has become a hallmark of winter. Commonly caught native fish include climbing perch (koi), catfish (shing, magur), snakehead fish (shol), spotted snakehead (taki), barb (puti), and tengra. The bounty also includes shellfish, crabs, Indian significant carp like rohu (katla), silver carp, and eels (bain).
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
