Fish scales, once discarded as waste, have now become a significant source of foreign currency earnings.
Annual exports reached Tk237 crore in 2023-24, and they rose to around Tk 250 crore in the past fiscal year, said Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain, Director of the Policy and Planning Department at the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
This increase not only generates foreign currency but also creates employment opportunities for thousands across the country, particularly for women, offering an added avenue for self-employment.
According to industry insiders, around 30,000 tonnes of fish scales are collected annually, mainly from urban marketplaces across Bangladesh.
After cleaning and drying in dedicated facilities, about 90% of the fish scales are exported to countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and China.
In these countries, fish scales are processed for use in beauty products, capsule coatings for medicines, biodegradable packaging, and other industries.
“Our fish scales exports have been increasing every year,” Abu Mukhles Alamgir Hossain told TIMES of Bangladesh.
Once discarded in local markets and households in the capital, fish scales are now collected, washed, dried, and exported.
Ariful Haque, an entrepreneur involved in the business, said, “About 10 to 12 years ago, I started collecting fish scales while unemployed. Now, I have two factories where I collect 250 to 270 tonnes of fish scales annually. I sell the scales at Tk 70 to 75 per kilogram.”
He estimates that around 60 businesses like him are involved in primary processing of fish scales across the country who mainly sell to exporters.
Through involvement in fish scale collection and export, youths, widows, and underprivileged women in various parts of the country have become self-reliant.
The business is gaining popularity among young people due to low investment, easily accessible raw materials, and minimal labor requirements.
Many are now earning a living by collecting fish scales in large markets in the capital and other major cities, with monthly earnings ranging from Tk 15,000 to Tk 22,000.
Fish traders are also earning extra profits from fish scales. Some have even established small processing facilities to handle the export of scales.
Small factories are now emerging in districts and upazilas across the country, including Comilla, Panchagarh, Tangail, Narail, Feni, Barishal, Cox’s Bazar, and Chattogram.
Entrepreneurs and industry insiders claim that the growing demand abroad is prompting many to enter the business.
The sector has gained importance due to its use in various industries. Collagen found in fish scales is being used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Md. Harun-ar-Rashid, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Food Engineering at Daffodil International University, said, “Fish scales are being used in beauty products, medicine capsule coatings, biodegradable packaging, and other applications. This industry can be established in Bangladesh as well.”
Jalil Mia, a fish trader from Karwan Bazar, said, “Fish scales were once thrown away. Now, collectors come twice a day to collect them, and at the end of the year, they pay me a lump sum, which adds an extra Tk 15,000 to Tk 22,000 to my annual income.”
Md. Rokonuzzaman, Fishery Officer of Dhaka district, mentioned the export of fish scales as a promising sector.
He said, “We have observed that this is a very promising sector. No one has come to us seeking assistance yet, but our doors are open. We are ready to provide all kinds of support to entrepreneurs.”
