Country boats in Bangladesh

Water transportation is a vital means of communication in Bangladesh, a floodplain with approximately 405 rivers[1] and numerous oxbow lakes (locally known as haor).

Traditional country boats remain popular for providing low-cost, convenient transport across this extensive inland waterway network.

Approximately 150 types of boats still populate the floodplain, varying in design, size, and construction materials.

Commonly used timbers come from local woods such as jarul (Dipterocarpus turbinatus), sal (Shorea robusta), sundari (Heritiera fomes), and Burma teak (Tectona grandis).

Very few steps are being taken to preserve these techniques, and among them is Friendship, whose cultural preservation sector is working with some of the last master craftsmen of wooden boats to recreate them, as well as record and research the history and techniques of boat-making.