Hilsa Galore in Chandpur Brings Prices Down, Yet Out of Reach for Many

A surge in the supply of the prized hilsa has brightened the mood at Chandpur’s bustling fish landing centre, though many low-income consumers still find the delicacy beyond their reach. The spike in arrivals comes just days ahead of the 22-day nationwide ban on hilsa fishing set to begin on October 4.At the Boro Station Fish Market, traders reported a dramatic rise in daily hilsa landings over the past three days, with 1,000–1,200 maunds pouring in daily compared to just 400–500 maunds earlier. The bumper supply has pushed down prices, giving some relief to households preparing for the upcoming ban period.Despite the drop, the price range remains steep for ordinary wage earners. According to Shobe Barat Sarkar, secretary of the Fish Traders’ Association, about 80–90 percent of the hilsa currently caught are small, with four fish making up one kilogram. These are selling for Tk 600–700 per kg. Mid-sized hilsa fetch Tk ...

• 25 Sep 2025