Khulna's century-old boat market keeps tradition and livelihoods afloat

The century-old traditional boat, fishing net and traps market at Sheikhpura Bazaar under Terokhada upazila of Khulna continues to play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of thousands, drawing buyers and traders from four adjoining districts twice a week, on Fridays and Mondays.

Set up over a hundred years ago, the market is especially renowned for the trading of traditional wooden boats, which are essential for the people of wetland-rich areas for fishing, agriculture, and transportation.

Located in Sheikhpura Bazaar of Khulna's Terokhada upazila, the historic market attracts buyers from Khulna, Narail, Gopalganj and parts of Bagerhat. Most of the boats sold here are crafted in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district and transported to Sheikhpura by road every market day.

In the past, traders used waterways to transport boats via the Kodalia and Kendua wetlands and the Atharobeki River. However, with the disappearance of many canals and rivers, the boats are now transported by land using locally-manufactured three-wheelers such as nasimon, tomtom, or flatbed vans. Each vehicle typically carries 10-12 boats stacked atop each other, reaching the market by 10-11am.

Unsold boats are either taken back by the traders or stored locally under someone's care until the next market day. Boats kept in storage require regular watering to prevent the wooden planks from cracking.

Despite changing times, the boats' designs remain mostly similar. Residents of Terokhada, Nebudia, Shiari, Charkulia, Kalia, Naragati, Gopalganj, Mollahat, Rupsha, and Dighalia continue to rely on them for their daily lives, ensuring consistent demand for the product.

During a recent visit on yesterday (August 1), a trader named Shahidul Alam told BSS , he brought 20 boats from Chitalmari and sold 11 by 1:00pm. The boats, measuring between 10 and 13 cubits, fetched him a profit of Tk 300-500 per boat. Unsold boats, if not stored, are returned at an extra cost.

Barkat Ali Potu, a second-generation trader, said he makes boats at home using mahogany wood and hired carpenters, a tradition passed down from his father and grandfather.

Buyers like Abony Bhusan Paul from Katenga, Terokhada, said boats are vital for fishing and farming in wetland areas. He bought a boat for Tk 3,500. Motiar Rahman Khan from Naragati in Narail said he uses boats to collect fish and grass for his cattle.

The market also supports ancillary livelihoods. Shariful Islam, a van driver from Barasat in Terokhada, told BSS, he earns Tk 250-350 per boat delivery, sometimes more for distant areas. Multiple deliveries in one trip increase his income.

Md Eskandar Molla, the leaseholder of the market, said around 60-70 boats are sold every market day. A tax of Tk 30-40 is collected per boat, but it is sometimes waived for financially challenged traders.

"The boat market operates actively for three months, from mid-June to mid-September, during which boats worth about Tk 40 crore are sold," he added.

At least eight groups of people are economically linked to each boat - log transporters, sawmill workers, carpenters, traders, transporters, end-users, leaseholders, and local food vendors - making the Sheikhpura boat market a significant contributor to the local seasonal economy.