The Fishermen's Tale

Before we can relish that fresh fish cooked in a combination of our favourite spices,  a lot of hard work goes into bringing it on our plates. In Cox's Bazar, one can see the amount of dedication, courage and perseverance fishermen needed. An average trip means a seven day foray into deep sea with the powerful waves only one of many elements to be braved. Ten fishermen with one boat usually go into such week-long trips, risking their lives in the tempestuous sea, only to make living. The fishermen though aren't rewarded a deserving price for their labour nor for the fish they bring. Regardless, they go on, in a tradition passed down from generations, sometimes stuck in a vicious cycle of exploitation. The fruits of their labour are various; from hilsa, koral, loitta (Bombay duck) and many others. Businessmen buy the fish from them and send them around the country where they are loved, with some earmarked for export. 

Photo: Anisur Rahman