Fishermen across the coastal belt of Hatia are racing to produce shutki (dried fish) at the close of winter, as rising catches bring seasonal income but also a visible surge in child labour.
From sunrise to sunset, fish landing stations and open fields in Hatia Upazila in Noakhali District are packed with activity. Silver fish are laid out in long rows under the sun, turned by hand and sorted for storage as families seek to maximise profits from abundant marine harvests.
Processing hubs in Rahmat Bazar, Kazir Bazar, Jungalia, Jahajmara Katakhali and Nijhum Dwip are now dominated by drying renyu fry, small shrimp and cheua fish. Entire fishing families are involved in spreading, flipping and gathering the fish as they transform into shutki, or dried fish.
On a recent visit to Rahmat Bazar near the Golpata tourist centre, rows of fish covered open ground. Some workers were spreading fresh catches, others turning half-dried fish, while another group packed the finished product. Similar scenes were reported at several other landing points.
Alongside adults, children and adolescents were also seen working in the fields.
Producers say dried fish production provides vital income during the peak season. On average, each operator employs 10 to 12 workers, some on daily wages and others on monthly pay.
Twelve-year-old Sohel said he earns Tk5,000 a month working under a boat owner. Ten-year-old Alif receives the same. Ripon and Saiful, aged around six or seven, said they earn between Tk200 and Tk300 per day.
Local trader Shah Alam said dried small shrimp is selling at between Tk2,200 and Tk2,500 per maund for use in fish farming and animal feed. Supplies from Hatia are being sent to Khaser Hat, Oskhali and Tamaruddin markets, as well as to larger traders outside the district.
Favourable weather has improved quality this season, he said. After meeting domestic demand, traders plan to ship dried fish to Chattogram and Sylhet, with some exploring export opportunities.
Businessman Salauddin from Nijhum Dwip said catches of cheua fish have been significantly higher than previous years for more than a week. Large fresh cheua fish are selling wholesale at between Tk60 and Tk100 per kilogramme. Smaller fish, which fetch lower prices, are being dried in open fields instead.
Naturally sun-dried products are attracting tourists and local traders for their distinctive taste, he added.
However, some residents warn that the boom carries long-term risks. Indiscriminate drying of fry and juvenile shrimp could damage future fish stocks, raising concerns over sustainability.
The visible involvement of children in the production process has also alarmed rights advocates, who say it poses social and legal challenges.
Trader Nobi said dried fish worth hundreds of thousands of taka is supplied from Hatia to different parts of the country each season. While the sector boosts the local economy, production remains largely informal.
Hatia Upazila Fisheries Office Additional Duty Officer Md Fayzur Rahman said producers would be offered training if they show interest. Chemical-free and environmentally friendly processing methods could improve standards and sustainability, he said.
Stakeholders say that with planned management, conservation of marine resources and steps to discourage child labour, the dried fish industry could become a sustainable source of income for the island. Without reform, they warn, short-term gains may come at long-term cost.
