The Cox's Bazar fishing fleet: A Day at Nazirartek harbour.
Along the expansive sandy sweep of Nazirartek, the fishing fleet forms an impressive line, poised for departure. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a serene backdrop to the final preparations. Each vessel, a testament to generations of seafaring tradition, awaits its turn to meet the open water, embodying the collective spirit and enduring hope of this coastal community.
As the first light stretches across the Bay of Bengal, the shoreline of Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, awakens. This bustling vista reveals the heart of the village’s industry: a dense congregation of wooden fishing boats, their tall prows reaching skyward. Already, the beach teems with life – fishermen wading through the shallows, making ready for the day’s journey, amidst the vibrant chaos that defines a working port at dawn. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College) Along the expansive sandy sweep of Nazirartek, the fishing fleet forms an impressive line, poised for departure. The gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a serene backdrop to the final preparations. Each vessel, a testament to generations of seafaring tradition, awaits its turn to meet the open water, embodying the collective spirit and enduring hope of this coastal community. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)In the shimmering, clear waters off Nazirartek, two sturdy fishing boats sit side-by-side, their colourful flags fluttering in the nascent breeze. Fishermen are visible on deck, engaged in last-minute checks or perhaps sharing a final word before venturing further out. The vibrant hues of the boats and the calm water speak of a brief moment of peace before the arduous work begins. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)With a determined chug, one of the larger fishing vessels from Nazirartek heads out into the deeper expanse of the Bay. A plume of dark smoke trails from its engine, a clear sign of its purposeful journey. The crew aboard are intent on their destination, a distant point in the vast blue where the day’s catch awaits. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)
Far from the familiar shores of Cox’s Bazar, a solitary wooden boat drifts gently on the open water. Its lines are cast, or nets are spread, as the crew settles into the patient rhythm of the sea. The sheer scale of the ocean dwarfs the vessel, highlighting the quiet dedication required for this ancient profession. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)High above the calm waters where the fishing boats of Nazirartek ply their trade, two seagulls glide effortlessly. These winged companions are a common sight, their presence often a subtle guide to schools of fish. The hazy horizon and clear blue sky frame this tranquil scene, a moment of profound serenity amidst the daily pursuit. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)As the day wanes, a fishing boat, now visibly lower in the water—a hopeful sign of a bountiful catch—makes its way back towards the familiar coast of Nazirartek. The waves gently break against its weathered hull, carrying the promise of sustenance and livelihood back to the village. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)Finally, the fleet returns, and the expansive beach of Nazirartek, Cox’s Bazar, stretches out in the late afternoon light. The boats are safely moored, their workday complete. The quiet beach, dotted with a few lingering figures and a solitary dog, reflects the peaceful conclusion of another cycle, as the community rests, awaiting the call of the tides once more. Photo: Shafayeth Rahman Khan, (Universal Medical College)
