Fisherfolk from the Dairy Para and Sonarpara areas of Ukhiya are busy, as ever, preparing to head into the deep sea for their daily catch.
Along the shoreline, rows of sampan boats stand ready, while fishermen prepare boats, nets, and other essential gear for their early-morning journey into the Bay.
A visit to the area shows fishermen organising their sampan boats, fishing nets, and equipment well before daylight fades. Locals say these boats set out for the deep sea on many occasions even after nightfall.
Rahmat Ullah, a local fisherman, said they usually set off shortly after sunset.
“We head out to the deep sea just after dusk. Throughout the night, we cast and haul our nets. When dawn breaks, we return to the jetty with our catch,” he added.
He also said that wholesale fish traders are already waiting by the shore when they arrive in the early morning.
“They select and buy fish of their choice. Since most of the fish is sold by morning, our joy doubles,” Rahmat Ullah added.
According to local fishermen, the routine of regular fishing trips and selling their catch at the wholesale market early in the morning has helped keep their household livelihoods running, at least at a steady pace.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
