September 18, 2026

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A season for repairing boats

Boats cross the Buriganga throughout the year, but most repairs take place in the dry winter season. As the river recedes and the banks widen, shipwrights can be seen at work.

Shipwright Rahim Mia was born in Barishal. He began learning the craft from his father as a child, and has supported his family for 25 years with the knowledge. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Shipwright Rahim Mia was born in Barishal. He began learning the craft from his father as a child, and has supported his family for 25 years with the knowledge. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
During the monsoon, the Buriganga swells to the brim, leaving no scope to haul boats ashore for repairs. Boatmen wait for the dry winter season, when the workload increases for craftspeople like Rahim Mia. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
During the monsoon, the Buriganga swells to the brim, leaving no scope to haul boats ashore for repairs. Boatmen wait for the dry winter season, when the workload increases for craftspeople like Rahim Mia. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Each ghat along the Buriganga typically holds 70 to 80 boats, usually owned by three to four individuals. In the dry season, shipwrights repair these vessels. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Each ghat along the Buriganga typically holds 70 to 80 boats, usually owned by three to four individuals. In the dry season, shipwrights repair these vessels. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
A shipwright works on fixing boats along the Buriganga. It takes him two to three days to repair each boat. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
A shipwright works on fixing boats along the Buriganga. It takes him two to three days to repair each boat. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Shipwrights are paid between Tk 500 and Tk 700 for a full day’s work. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Shipwrights are paid between Tk 500 and Tk 700 for a full day’s work. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Along the Buriganga, repair work usually begins at 8am and continues until evening. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Along the Buriganga, repair work usually begins at 8am and continues until evening. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Like his father, shipwright Rahim Mia continues to work using traditional tools and methods. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Like his father, shipwright Rahim Mia continues to work using traditional tools and methods. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Wood is bent using a traditional method involving fire. The new timber is then grafted onto the boats. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
Wood is bent using a traditional method involving fire. The new timber is then grafted onto the boats. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
As the use of wooden boats decline, so does the work available for shipwrights. Their livelihood depends on seasonal demand. Craftspeople say they still find work here because wooden boats continue to ferry people across the Buriganga. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi
As the use of wooden boats decline, so does the work available for shipwrights. Their livelihood depends on seasonal demand. Craftspeople say they still find work here because wooden boats continue to ferry people across the Buriganga. Photo: Mahmud Zaman Ovi

bdnews24.com

Published : 18 Nov 2025, 10:47 PM

Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 06:10 PM

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