Fishing activities begin at dawn every day in Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, as fishermen and fish traders get busy even before the first light of morning.
With hundreds of fishermen, labourers, and traders moving along the shoreline, the area turns into a vibrant hub of activity. One after another, large fishing trawlers lift anchor and head toward the deep sea in search of fish.
From early morning, the Nazirartek jetty presents a familiar yet striking scene—nets being readied, ice loaded onto trawlers, fuel and food supplies stocked, and engines thoroughly checked.
Some are busy organising nets, others are loading goods onto vessels, while many are engaged in unloading and marketing fish. Altogether, Nazirartek transforms into a massive open workplace as the day begins.
Local fisherman Abdul Kaiyum said, “Our work starts before dawn. We prepare the trawlers after assessing sea conditions, then head out to deep waters. Our families’ livelihoods depend entirely on this work.”
Another fisherman, Mohammad Hossain, shared a similar sentiment.
“Despite the risks, the sea is our only hope. Sometimes the catch is good, sometimes it’s not. Still, going to sea every day is our way of life.”
Fish trading centres in Nazirartek also become active from the morning hours. After fish are unloaded from trawlers, aratdars and wholesalers send them to markets across different parts of the country. Beyond fishermen, a large number of labourers, transport workers, and traders earn their livelihoods through this sector.
Local fish trader Salah Uddin said, “Nazirartek is one of Cox’s Bazar’s most important fishing hubs. A huge volume of marine fish is supplied daily to markets nationwide, creating employment for many people.”
Fishermen noted that their income largely depends on weather conditions and sea conditions. Adverse weather and rising fuel prices often pose serious challenges to their profession. Yet, driven by necessity, they continue to venture into the sea every day.
By Mohammd Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
