The government imposed a 65-day fishing ban from May 20 to July 23 to ensure the safe breeding and growth of Hilsa fish. Since the ban was lifted, fishermen have returned to the sea. Yet Chandpur fish landing center has seen a decrease in Hilsa supply compared to last year.

Wholesalers claim that last year, around this time, the fish landing center at Chandpur received a supply of nearly 120 tons of Hilsa daily. Yesterday, it was only 24 tons.

However, experts noted an increase in the size of the Hilsa. While smaller fish were common a few days ago, larger Hilsa are now being caught. Despite being the peak season, the supply of Hilsa is expected to increase further. Traders and fishermen should not be discouraged, as the supply is predicted to rise over time.

Research from the Chandpur Fisheries Research Institute indicates that the weight and size of Hilsa have increased compared to previous years. The Hilsa arriving in Chandpur now are significantly larger, with fewer small fishes being caught.

Traders reported that the curfew has hindered Hilsa distribution across the country.  There is a transportation crisis. Due to the curfew, many transport owners are unwilling to rent out their vehicles. Even though the curfew has been partially lifted in the district, customer turnout remains low. This is resulting in decreased sales. To maintain their operations, some traders sell Hilsa at lower prices outside the syndicate. Despite availability in the Padma and Meghna rivers, prices are high due to syndicate control. This is discouraging people from buying Hilsa.

A tour of the wholesale market revealed that Hilsa fishes weighing 500-600 grams are selling for BDT 900 per kilogram. Fishes weighing 800-900 grams are priced at BDT 1,500-1,600 per kilogram. Hilsa weighing over one kilogram are selling for BDT 1,500-1,800 per kilogram.

Abdul Bari Jamadar Manik, president of the Chandpur Fisheries Traders Cooperative Society, said, “Last year, around this time, nearly 120 tons of Hilsa arrived daily. This year, it’s significantly less. However, Hilsa continues to arrive from the Padma and Meghna rivers and the country’s southern regions daily.”

A visit to the city’s main fish landing center yesterday morning showed vendors loudly advertising and selling their Hilsa. But many customers left empty-handed after hearing the prices. About 24 tons of Hilsa arrived at the station fish market that day.

Delwar Jamadar, a trader at the Chandpur fish market, noted that some Hilsa had arrived at the market yesterday. Those were sourced from nearby areas like Hatiya in Noakhali district. He expects sales to increase if transportation resumes smoothly.

Nurjahan Kumkum, a customer at the market, said, “I visited several wholesalers, but the prices of Hilsa are too high. That’s why I’m leaving without buying any fish.”

Md. Tanzimul Islam, Chandpur Sadar Upazila Fisheries Officer, told Bonik Barta, “Fishermen catch Hilsa year-round in the Padma and Meghna rivers. Although it’s peak season now, the supply of Hilsa is expected to increase further in a few days. Traders and fishermen should not be discouraged. Hilsa supply will continue to grow over time.”