Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 6, 2025 (BSS) - Fishermen engaged in fishing and fish-drying activities at Dublar Char in the Bay of Bengal are facing severe hardship as biting cold winds and rough, wind-driven waves continue to disrupt normal fishing operations.

Local sources said many fishermen are unable to cast their nets as high waves, caused by strong winds, are battering the coastal waters. As a result, several fishing boats have returned empty-handed to different fishermen settlements, including Alorkol of Dublar Char.

Motasim Foraji, president of the Rampal Fishermen's Association at Alorkol, told BSS over the phone on Tuesday evening that fishermen's lives and livelihoods have been badly affected for the past two to three days due to the ongoing cold wave.

"The fishermen are in a miserable condition. Strong winds and rough waves in the Bay of Bengal have made fishing impossible. At least 12 fishing boats returned to Alorkol on Tuesday morning after suspending their fishing activities," he said, adding that a few fishermen are still continuing to fish despite the severe cold.

President of the Dublar Fishermen Group and freedom fighter Md Kamal Uddin Ahmed said intense cold winds are sweeping across the Dublar Char area, severely hampering fishing operations.

"The cold and rough weather have made it extremely difficult for fishermen to work in the sea," he noted.

From Shelar Char, fish traders Mozam Hawladar, Kazi Mesbaul and Harun told BSS over the phone that fishermen in their area have also refrained from going to sea due to the harsh cold and strong winds.

Meanwhile, normal life in Dublar Char and various tourist spots in the Sundarbans and adjacent areas has been disrupted over the last two to three days as a strong cold wave continues under cloudy skies. 

Fishermen, villagers and forest workers in the Sundarbans are struggling to carry out their regular activities due to the intense cold.

The severity of winter has also led to an increased rush of low-income people at shops selling old warm clothes.

Officer-in-Charge of the Dublar Forest patrol outpost under the Sharankhola Range of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, Forest Ranger Milton Roy, said many fishermen are avoiding going to sea because of the cold weather and rough sea conditions.

He added that routine forest patrol activities have also been hampered by strong waves and chilling winds.