Despite the growing dominance of engine-powered trawlers, fibre boats and modern fishing equipment, traditional wooden boats continue to ply the waters of Reju Khal in Cox’s Bazar, preserving a centuries-old fishing heritage and remaining an essential part of many fishermen’s livelihoods.
Moored side by side in the calm waters of the canal, the wooden boats stand as a reminder that tradition has endured despite rapid technological change.
At dawn or during favourable tidal conditions, fishermen set out in these boats to fish in the canal and nearby coastal waters, then return with the day’s catch.
Local resident Yunus Ali said wooden boats once dominated the coastline of Cox’s Bazar. Although modern vessels have become increasingly common, many fishermen in Reju Khal and other coastal areas still rely on these traditional craft.
He said the boats are particularly suitable for navigating shallow canals and waterways and are less expensive to maintain than larger mechanised vessels.
Beyond their practical role, the wooden boats symbolise the coastal heritage of Cox’s Bazar and the resilience of its fishing communities.
Passed down through generations, they remain an enduring part of the region’s cultural identity and continue to reflect the close relationship between the coastal way of life, traditional fishing practices and the local marine economy.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
