After a 22-day government-imposed fishing ban, hilsa fish has made a comeback to markets amid limited supplies and price spiral.
The ban, aimed at protecting mother hilsa and ensuring sustainable production, ended on October 25. Fishermen resumed fishing and markets began receiving limited supplies, driving its prices up.
Retailers reported that hilsa weighing around one kilogram was selling for Tk 3,000–3,200, while those weighing 700–900 grams were priced at Tk 1,800–2,000. Smaller hilsa, known as jakta, were selling for Tk 900–1,000 per kg.
Footfall remained low on the first day, largely due to high prices and limited availability. Retailers expect prices to stabilise once fishing activity increases and supply improves.
“Fishermen only resumed fishing on October 25. Once more hilsa are caught and transported, prices are expected to come down,” said a retailer at Rupsa market in Khulna.
Sharing the hardship faced by fishermen during the ban, Hamidur Rahman, a fisher, said the month-long halt had been very difficult, but they were now back at sea with hopes of a good catch.
Md Jahangir Alam, Khulna divisional director of the Department of Fisheries, said the ban had been strictly enforced across all four districts of the division to protect mother hilsa during the main breeding season.
Authorities remain optimistic that this year’s hilsa production will surpass that of last year, he added.
