Everyone may have heard the word “sampan” in stories, poems, novels, or songs. These boats are distinctive for their curved and elevated bow, while the stern remains straight. Such boats are commonly used in the island upazilas of Kutubdia and Maheshkhali.
There’s an old saying in Chattogram: “Sampan, Huni (dried fish), Dargah—that’s what makes Chattogram.” For centuries, Chattogram’s identity has been intricately linked with the sampan, a watercraft. For over a hundred years, these boats have glided through the rivers, canals, and backwaters of Chattogram, producing the rhythmic sound of “ken-kurut, ken-kurut” as they slice through the waves.
The design and craftsmanship of a sampan set it apart from other boats. The sampan’s crescent moon-shaped curved bow effortlessly navigates the ocean’s waves, enabling smooth forward motion. The stern, in contrast, is almost straight, making the boat appear reminiscent of a duck.
By Rajin Saleh
