Fishermen in Bhola district are reporting a strong return of hilsa in local rivers after months of poor catches, bringing relief and optimism to fishing communities.
Hilsa are now being caught in significant numbers in the Meghna, Tetulia, Ilisha, Kalabadar and Buragouranga rivers, as well as other waterways around Bhola. Both small and large fish are being landed, reports BSS.
Fishermen, traders and buyers were seen busy at Shibpur on the Meghna, Ilisha, Tulatuli and Veduria along the Tetulia River.
Fishermen including Malek Majhi, Sharif, Mainuddin, Kalam and Chhidu Majhi said they had been catching large quantities since Friday night. Many said the catch would help them repay debts and recover losses from the prolonged crisis.
Md Badsha Mia, president of the Ilisha Fisheries Traders Association, said traders had faced heavy pressure after failing to meet supply commitments to Dhaka buyers. “Now that hilsa are arriving in large numbers, everyone is relieved,” he said.
Reports of increased trading have also come from Samraj Fisheries Port in Char Fasson and landing stations in Monpura, including Haji Hat, Ramnewaz, Pacha Koralia and Kalatali.
Despite the surge in supply, prices remain high. In Monpura, one‑kilogram hilsa is selling for about Tk2,700, 800‑gram fish for Tk1,400 and 500‑gram hilsa for Tk700. Traders said prices are fluctuating but may ease within days if the strong supply continues.
The Bhola Fisheries Department has set a production target of 189,000–192,000 metric tonnes for the season. District Fisheries Officer Md Delwar Hossain said the target is likely to be met if current catches continue.
Bhola has 171,000 registered fishermen, with the total number exceeding 200,000 when unregistered workers are included. The rise in hilsa catches has therefore brought not only fresh supplies to markets but also renewed hope for thousands of families who depend on the fish for their livelihoods.
