The banks of the Padma River in Kushtia’s Daulatpur upazila draw crowds of eager customers and traders daily, with fish sales generating an estimated Tk 100 crore in annual income. However, the absence of a formal wholesale fish market in the area leaves many fishermen struggling to secure fair prices for their catch.
Key riverside areas like Philipnagar, Morichar, and Ramkrishnapur are home to around 900 local fishermen who depend on the Padma’s fish for their livelihoods. Each day, they bring a variety of fresh catches, including shrimp, Puili, Ghaura, Bashpata, Baim, Bele, and Tangra, to makeshift riverbank markets. Prices for these fish range from Tk 150 to Tk 1,800 per kilogram, depending on size and demand, and attract residents and wholesalers from surrounding districts.
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Despite this thriving trade, fishermen face challenges due to the lack of a designated market. "We bring our catch to the riverbank each morning," shared Siddique, a local fisherman. "Some of our fish go to the district’s wholesale markets to help us meet household expenses, but we struggle with inconsistent prices." Nazmul, another fisherman, noted that fish prices often drop when supply exceeds local demand, impacting their income.
Local buyer Tushar Rahman, visiting the ghat early in the morning, said, "I came to buy fresh river fish. Prices can be high, but the taste of fresh fish from the Padma is worth it."
According to Daulatpur Upazila Fisheries Officer Hossain Ahmed, the Padma’s highest fish yield occurs from late May to December. While exact figures are yet to be recorded, around 1,500 kilograms of fish are sold daily, bringing in an estimated annual income of over Tk 100 crore.
Ahmed acknowledged the need for a formalized market, stating, “We’ve submitted multiple proposals for a government-funded fish sales center, but none have been implemented. Such a center could significantly enhance the livelihoods of fishermen and further stimulate the local economy.”