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 1,850–2,200 per kg, while fish weighing 800–900 grams are being sold at Tk 1,600–1,800 per kg.

During Thursday’s market visit, two women were seen bargaining successfully for hilsa at Tk 450 per kg, while two private bank officials purchased five mid-sized fish each at Tk 1,950 per kg. “The prices have eased, but they are still tough for daily-wage earners,” said a local vendor.

Fresh catches continue to arrive from the Padma and Meghna rivers, as well as from Hatiya, Sandwip, Ramgati, Charfesson, Barguna and Bhola. 

The prized fish are ferried into Chandpur by trawlers, pick-ups and trucks before being dispatched to major hubs such as Dhaka, Gazipur, Tongi, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Manikganj, and Savar.

At Harina Ghat, senior traders Sheikh Amir Hossain, Delowar Hossain, Zakir Hossain, Russel Gazi, and Parimal Das said they are struggling to keep pace with the heavy flow of hilsa as sales and shipments reach peak levels.

When asked about the predominance of smaller hilsa in the catch, newly joined district fisheries officer Nibas Chandra Chand refrained from commenting, citing his recent assumption of office.

For now, Chandpur’s markets remain abuzz with the silvery splendour of hilsa — a seasonal bounty that continues to captivate traders and consumers alike, even if it remains out of reach for many.