Thousands of fishermen returned to the Padma and Meghna rivers on Friday after a 22-day hilsa fishing ban ended, reviving Chandpur’s fish markets. However, prices remained high despite the arrival of fresh catches.
Fishing resumed along a 70-kilometre stretch of the rivers shortly after midnight on Thursday. By Friday morning, boats were arriving at Harina fish landing centre in Chandpur Sadar, where around 20 wholesale fish shops resumed trading.
Fishermen brought hilsa, pangasius and other fish, which traders bought at auctions for sale in Chandpur town and at Boro Station fish landing centre.
Liton Tapadar, a fisherman from Gobindapur village, said he sold hilsa worth Tk12,000 after fishing overnight. He hoped continued catches would help him repay his debts.
Another fisherman, Abul Kalam Khan, said his seven-member group sold fish worth Tk15,000 but feared catches might decline within days.
Wholesaler Jahangir Hossain said strong demand was keeping prices high. Hilsa weighing around one kilogramme sold for Tk2,500–2,600 per kilogramme, while those weighing 400–500 grammes fetched Tk1,300–1,500 per kilogramme.
Smaller hilsa sold for Tk500–650 per four fish. Pangasius fetched Tk900–1,200 per kilogramme, depending on size.
Traders said larger hilsa dominated the initial catches, while pangasius provided additional income. However, wholesaler Md Selim said supplies had declined after the first two days in previous years.
Veteran trader Sirajul Islam alleged that some fishermen had violated the breeding-season ban and that the authorities had failed to prevent them.
Chandpur Sadar Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Mirza Omar Faruk, however, said strict enforcement of hilsa conservation measures was benefiting fishermen.
He also called for government initiatives to increase pangasius production, saying the fish could contribute to the national economy, much like hilsa.
