United News of Bangladesh

Hilsa, the pride of Bangladesh’s rivers and the heart of its culinary culture, has once again slipped beyond the reach of ordinary consumers as prices surged dramatically at the century-old Mir Kadim wholesale fish market in Munshiganj. Within just 48 hours, hilsa prices have jumped by up to Tk 700 per kilogram, leaving both buyers and traders frustrated — each side pointing fingers over the sudden spike. During a visit to the bustling Mir Kadim market on Friday, the scene was as lively as ever. Buyers and sellers packed into narrow lanes, where freshly caught silver hilsa shimmered under bright lights. Yet, for many who travelled long distances hoping to savour the seasonal delicacy, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment. A one-kilogram hilsa is now priced at Tk 2,600–2,700, while the larger 1.5-kg fish are selling for Tk 3,200 per kg — a price bracket that has become a luxury for most households. Even the smallest hilsa, weighing just 150–200 grams, now cost Tk 650–700 per kg. Hilsa returns to Khulna markets after 22-day ban Consumers allege that syndicates are manipulating prices, while traders argue that the root of the crisis runs deeper. Sand Extraction and Illegal Nets Blamed Al Helal Royel, president of the Mir Kadim Fish Traders’ Association, said rampant and unplanned sand extraction is destroying natural breeding grounds, while the widespread use of illegal current nets is depleting fish stocks at an alarming rate. “Fish stocks have fallen. Demand is high but supply is low — that’s why prices are increasing,” he explained. According to the district fisheries office, Munshiganj produced 31,348 metric tonnes of fish in the past year. However, fish availability typically dips during winter, amplifying the strain on supply and pushing prices upward. Delicious hilsa slips from table to luxury list Other Fish Prices Also on the Rise It isn’t just hilsa causing concern. Almost all fish varieties at Mir Kadim have seen significant price hikes. A survey of the market revealed the following rates: ·         River Pangas: Tk 800–1,000 per kg ·         Farmed Pangas: Tk 150–200 ·         Rui: Tk 350–450 ·         Katla (farmed): Tk 400–500 ·         Katla (river): Tk 600–700 ·         Local boal: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Farmed boal: Tk 500–550 ·         Golda shrimp: Tk 700–1,000 ·         Bagda shrimp: Tk 600–700 ·         Aiyr: Tk 1,000–1,200 ·         Farmed koi: Tk 200–220 ·         Local koi: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Local sing: Tk 800–1,000 ·         Farmed sing: Tk 300–400 ·         Chitol: Tk 500–600 ·         Koral: Tk 600–700 Read more: Hilsa floods Chandpur markets, prices drop Traders say the overall supply of both river and farmed fish is far from stable, contributing to the sharp rise in prices. A Market with a Century of Legacy Mir Kadim, one of the country’s oldest and busiest fish markets, operates through 43 wholesale sheds. Each morning, within just two to three hours, the market handles fish sales worth around Tk 1 crore. On weekends and holidays, the volume multiplies several times as buyers flock in from neighbouring districts. But for now, the soaring prices, particularly of hilsa, have dampened spirits. What was once a common delight is increasingly becoming an occasional indulgence for many Bangladeshi families. Read more: Hilsa Ilisha: The National Fish and Silver Pride of Bangladesh

After a 22-day government-imposed fishing ban, hilsa (ilish) has made its return to markets in Khulna, though supplies remain limited and prices high. The ban, aimed at protecting mother hilsa and ensuring sustainable production, ended on October 25, after which fishermen resumed fishing and Khulna’s markets began receiving limited supplies, driving prices up. On Sunday, modest quantities of hilsa arrived at several wholesale markets across the city, including Rupsa, Moylapota, Nirala, New Market, Khalishpur Chitrali, Daulatpur, Fulbari Gate, Shiromoni and Fultala. 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. Hilsa fishing ban ends: Fishermen in Chandpur set to return to rivers 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. Sharing the hardship faced by fishermen during the ban, Hamidur Rahman, a local 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.  

An increased supply of delicious hilsa at Chandpur fish landing centre has contributed to its price fall in local markets, bringing some relief to consumers ahead of the upcoming 22-day hilsa fishing ban starting on October 4. At the Boro Station Fish Market, traders and others said the supply of hilsa mounted over the past two to three days, averaging 1,000–1,200 maunds per day, compared to just 400–500 maunds previously. Wholesalers said that this surge has helped stabilise prices, but apparently still beyond the buying capacity of low-income groups. Shobe Barat Sarkar, secretary of the Fish Traders’ Association, and other traders said around 80–90 percent of the caught hilsa is small in size, with four fish making up one kilogram. Prices for such fish range from Tk 600–700 per kg while mid-sized hilsa sell for Tk 1,850–2,200 per kg. Hilsa slips out of reach as scarcity drives up prices in Khulna Smaller hilsa weighing 800–900 grams per kg are sold at Tk 1,600–1,800. Two women were seen purchasing hilsa at Tk 450 per kg while two private bank officials bought five hilsa each at Tk 1,950 per kg. Local vendors said the price drop, though daily-wage earners still find it difficult to afford even the reduced rates. Fresh local hilsa continues to arrive from the Padma and Meghna rivers, as well as southern regions including Hatiya, Sandwip, Ramgati, Charfesson, Barguna and Bhola, transported via trawlers, pick-ups and trucks. From Chandpur, the fish are distributed to Dhaka, Gazipur, Tongi, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Manikganj and Savar. Hilsa gets cheaper as veggies, onions, eggs, chicken cost more in Dhaka Senior traders Sheikh Amir Hossain, Delowar Hossain, Zakir Hossain, Russel Gazi, and Parimal Das of Harina Ghat said they are passing busy times to handle the huge supply of hilsa. Asked about the small size of hila, district fisheries officer Nibas Chandra Chand said he has joined the workplace recently, expressing reluctance to make comments in this regard.

While hilsa prices eased in the capital’s kitchen markets on Friday, the cost of vegetables, onions, eggs and chicken continued to rise, mounting pressure on consumers already struggling with higher food inflation. A visit to several kitchen markets revealed that smaller-sized hilsa, which had been selling for Tk 800–900 per kg, is now available at Tk 650–700. Medium-sized hilsa prices have dropped from Tk 1,800–2,000 to Tk 1,400–1,600 per kg, while large hilsa weighing a kilo or more now fetch Tk 2,000–2,300, down from Tk 2,400–2,600 just days ago. Despite the fall in hilsa prices, other fish varieties remained unchanged. Big hilsa sold for Tk 13,000 in Barishal, draws crowd Rui and katla were selling at Tk 380–450 per kg depending on size, shing and magur at Tk 450–500, tilapia at Tk 180–250, boal and coral at Tk 900–1,200, giant freshwater prawns (galda) at Tk 1,200–1,500 and sea prawns (bagda) at Tk 750–850. Beef prices have eased slightly in recent days, from Tk 800 to Tk 750–780 per kg in most markets. Mutton prices, however, remain unchanged at Tk 1,100–1,200 per kg. Chicken prices, in contrast, have climbed. Broiler chicken rose by Tk 10–15 per kg from last week’s Tk 160, now selling for Tk 170–180 depending on location. Pakistani Sonali chicken prices also surged, from Tk 300 to Tk 320–330 per kg this week. Egg prices saw a similar upward trend. In wholesale hubs like Karwan Bazar and Kaptan Bazar, a dozen brown broiler eggs were priced at Tk 130, while retail rates ranged between Tk 135–140. White eggs were slightly cheaper, selling for Tk 125–130 per dozen.  

The government has decided to export 11,000 metric tonnes of hilsa to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Bangladeshi expatriates. “Following the request from Bangladeshi expatriates, who contribute significantly to the country's economy through remittances and have shown solidarity during July movement, plan has been taken to export hilsa on a limited scale, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter said at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday. Hilsa exports have remained suspended since 2012 due to a government ban and Bangladesh produced 5.30 lakh metric tonnes of hilsa in the 2023-24 fiscal year, she said. Fall in rose prices worries Gadkhali growers The current interim government is trying to increase the supply of hilsa in local markets and keepprices stable. Although year-round exports may not be feasible, arrangements can be made to export hilsa during the peak season in August and September, Farida said. According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training, around 4.4 million Bangladeshi expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia and 2.2 million live in the UAE. Meat, eggs and milk to be sold at affordable prices at 25 spots in Dhaka The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will recommend the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate the export of 11,000 metric tonnes of hilsa to the two countries initially with plans to implement the process from August to the first week of October this year. Further exports to other countries may also be considered later, Farida added.

Climate change is having a severe impact on agriculture, food security, and livelihoods in Bangladesh, according to a Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Farida Akhter. This is demonstrated by the decreased spawning of Hilsa eggs this year due to irregular rainfall, she added. Akhter was speaking as the guest of honour at the 2nd Climate Justice Rally organised by Aamra (Dhara), a citizen organisation on environment and climate change, at the auditorium of Liberation War Museum in Agargaon in Dhaka on Saturday.   Interim government assumed responsibility, not power: Adviser Farida Akhter Addressing the issue, she mentioned that rivers are becoming obstructed due to encroachment and sedimentation, limiting the movement of fish. Additionally, roads constructed through wetlands, such as haors, are disrupting the ecosystem. She emphasised the need to dismantle such roads, if necessary, to restore the natural flow. Crony capitalism created an undemocratic attitude: Rehman Sobhan Kainan Houghton, Deputy Regional Program Director of Aamra (Dhara), said the new energy policy adopted by the interim government of Bangladesh is certainly promising. Bangladesh must transition to clean energy for a sustainable future. For this, we have to convert to renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. Houghton also expressed his delight at being associated with the Climate Justice Assembly and wished the event success.

Prices of hilsa have shot up again in Chandpur markets as a 22-day ban on hilsa fishing is set to begin at midnight on Saturday, to ensure safe spawning in the freshwaters of the Padma and Meghna rivers. The ban has sparked a rush at Chandpur’s Boro Station fish ghat, one of the country’s largest fish landing centers, where buyers have been scrambling to purchase the priced fish before the restriction takes effect. The government ban, aimed at protecting hilsa during its spawning season, will remain in place until November 3. Traders said hilsa weighing 1 to 1.2 kilograms is being sold for Tk2,800- 3,000 per kilogram, an all-time high. The price of smaller hilsa, weighing 500 to 900 grams, ranges from Tk 1,200 - 2,000 per kilogram. 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole “Prices were lower just a week ago. Now, even though I want to buy, I can’t because the prices have gone up by Tk500 - 700 per kilogram, said Solaiman, a buyer from Ashikati area. At the fish landing centre, local fishermen were seen bringing in fresh hilsa, some from nearby areas, while others arrive by truck from Noakhali.  Omar Faruq, manager of the Kalu Bhuiyan fish shop, said “The upcoming 22-day ban is the reason. The number of retail buyers far outnumbers the fish supply here.”  With the ban approaching, some tourists have also flocked to the  landing centre, turning their fish-buying trip into a family outing, Faruq adding the market has been busy from morning till night, and on Fridays, many tourists were spotted buying hilsa and having it fried at nearby restaurants. 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole Veteran fish traders like Nurul Islam and Mostafa Khan said they haven’t seen prices this high in over 50 years. In the city’s busiest markets, including Biponibagh and Palbazar, the story is the same.  Chandpur District Fisheries Officer Golam Mehedi Hasan explained the practice of imposing the ban. "Hilsa migrate from the sea to freshwater during this time to spawn. The 22-day ban covers a 70-kilometer stretch from Shatnol in Matlab Uttar Upazila to Char Bhairabi in Haimchar Upazila." All fishing, transporting, selling, and stocking of hilsa in this area will be prohibited durning the ban. Despite increased production—reaching 571,342 tonnes in the fiscal year 2022-23, up from 566,593 tonnes the previous year—the demand for hilsa remains high in Bangladesh, keeping prices elevated in the local market. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Bangladesh exported 664.86 tonnes of hilsa to India, generating $7.71 million, according to the Department of Fisheries. The previous year saw exports of 1,376.42 tonnes of hilsa, worth $13.68 million. Read more: 10 Tasty Ilish Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen

Bangladesh has so far exported 479 metric tonnes (MT) of hilsa to India marking Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, through Benapole land port. The export started through the country's largest land port with 54.460 MT on September 26, and India has so far received 479 tonnes over the past 13 days. The government set a price of $10 equivalent to Tk 1, 180 for per kilogram of hilsa. Visiting local Benapole Fishery Market, this correspondent found per kilogram of hilsa weighing under one Kg was selling at TK 1, 300 and the Hilsa weighing over one Kg at Tk 1800-2000, Tk 600 to 800 more per kg compared to the export price. Read: 410 metric tons of hilsa exported to India via Benapole Land Port Asked about the low price of the exported hilsa, Mahbubur Rahman, an official at Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Centre of Benapole land port, said the circular on hilsa export dates back a few years but now the export price of hilsa may be adjusted in line with the domestic market price. Masudur Rahman, revenue official at the Check-post Cargo Section of the land port, said seven trucks entered India carrying 22 MT of hilsa on Wednesday night. Read more: Bangladesh missing hilsa export target to India for Durga Puja since 2019 With this, India received 479MT of hilsa from Bangladesh through Benapole land port in 10 consignments since September 26, he said.

With four days left to end the deadline, Bangladesh has so far exported 459 metric tonnes (MT) of Hilsa to India marking the Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community across the world, through the Benapole land port. The export started through the country's largest land port with 54.460 tonnes on September 26, and India received 459 tonnes sent through the land port over the past 12 days. The government set a price of $10 equivalent to Tk 1, 180 per Kilogram of Hilsa. Read: 410 metric tons of hilsa exported to India via Benapole Land Port Asked about the low price of the exported Hilsa, Mahbubur Rahman, an official at Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Centre of Benapole land port, said the circular on Hilsa export dates back a few years. Then the export price of Hilsa was fixed at $ 10 per kg in line with the market price of that time. Hilsa is still being exported according to the circular. However, the price of hilsa may be adjusted in line with the domestic market price, he said. Rashedul Sajib Nazir, deputy director of the land port, confirmed that they could export only 459 tonnes of Hilas since September 26. Read more: Bangladesh missing hilsa export target to India for Durga Puja since 2019 It may be mentioned a five day holiday centring Durga Puja will begin from Thursday and activities of the land port will remain suspended till after the end of the Puja.

A total of 410 metric tons of hilsa have been exported to India in seven consignments through Benapole land port. The exports went through over several days, with 54 tons sent in 20 trucks on Thursday last week, 45 tons in 15 trucks on Saturday last week, 19 tons in 6 trucks on Sunday, 89 tons in 30 trucks on Monday, 69 tons in 23 trucks on Tuesday, 92 tons in 30 trucks on Thursday, and 42 tons in 13 trucks this evening. 165 fishermen jailed for defying hilsha ban The export price for hilsa is set at 10 dollars per kg, equivalent to approximately Tk 1,180. Mahbubur Rahman, an officer of Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Center at Benapole, commented on the relatively low export price, saying that the export order was established several years ago. At that time, the price of 10 US dollars per kg was determined based on the market rates. Exports are still being conducted according to that order, but adjustments may be made to align hilsa prices with domestic market rates. Hilsha selling like hot cake in wholesale market Rashedul Sajib Nazir, Deputy Director of Benapole Land Port, confirmed that since Thursday last week until this evening, 410 metric tons of hilsa have been exported to India. However, he noted that exporters must complete all hilsa shipments to India by October 12, as per the directive from the Ministry of Commerce.