Sundarbans: Like previous years, over 10,000 fishermen started drying fish in the Sundarbans from today in the dry season. The fishermen dry huge quantity of fishes here after catching those from the Bay of Bengal and adjacent rivers of the Sundarbans. Around 85 species of fishes including Rupchada, Laitya, Chhuri, Khalisa and different kinds of shrimp are dried and processed in the Sundarbans.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the areas in the Sundarbans designated for drying fish include Dublarchar, Chapra Khalias, Alorkol, Meher Ali, Majhir Killa, Shewlar Char, Kokilmoni, Kaborkhali, Narkel Baria, Bara Amberia, Manik Khali and Chhoto Amberia. Fisherman Mohammad Ali from Dublar Char shared, “Before sunrise, we go out for netting the fishes, which are processed for drying in the sun.” Another fisherman, Ruhul Amin, added, “Thousands of fishermen from different areas of the southern region, including Satkhira, Khulna, Pirojpur, Barguna and Bagerhat build makeshift houses here for drying and processi
ng fishes.”
The fish drying season is expected to last until March 31, with fishermen reporting higher yields during the new moon and full moon phases. The dried fish will be distributed to various traders across regions such as Kuakata, Cox’s Bazar, and Chattogram. President of the fishermen group of Dublarchar, Kamal Ahmed, mentioned that fishermen faced challenges over the past few months due to a government-imposed ban on Hilsa fishing, although they received VGF rice during this period.
Assistant Conservator of Forest of Sharankhola Range under East Sundarbans, Md Khalilur Rahman, stated, “There are 13 centres for fish collection, processing, and marketing in Dublar Char fish village, about 120 kilometres from Mongla by boat. Fishermen and fish depot owners go there for drying fish for preservation and sale.” The department of forest has permitted the establishment of at least 985 houses, 57 depots, and 93 shops this year to support the fish drying operations.