Dhaka: Acute siltation in major rivers, unchecked illegal fishing in the Bay of Bengal, climate change, and water pollution have caused a steep decline in hilsa production, pushing prices of the national fish beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) has identified heavy siltation at 52 points of key rivers, including a 50-kilometre stretch of the Meghna and Tetulia rivers from Sonarchar in Patuakhali's Rangabali to Dalchar in Noakhali. This siltation has severely disrupted hilsa migration from sea to river. Officials noted that the use of industrial trawlers, artisanal boats, and permanent "Tong" or "Gop" nets along the migratory routes has resulted in indiscriminate catching of hilsa and jatka (juvenile hilsa) in the sea.
The DoF has submitted a list of the affected routes to the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, seeking urgent action to clear the silt and restore navigability. Molla Imdadulla, the project director of the Hilsa Development and Management Project, admitted that while the government's protection programmes focus largely on rivers, no measures exist for hilsa conservation in the sea, although 60 percent of the fish is caught there.
Consumers in Dhaka have reported that hilsa has almost vanished from the markets, with the few available selling at record prices of Tk 2,500-2,600 per kg. "I bought hilsa for Tk 1,200 a kg last year. Now the price has more than doubled," said Nurannabi Hossain, a schoolteacher at Nawabganj Bazar in Old Dhaka.
At New Market, fish retailer Sanaullah Mirdha reported that smaller hilsa (under 600 grams) were selling for Tk 1,800-2,000 per kg, while medium-sized ones (800-900 grams) fetched Tk 2,200-2,500 per piece. He added that wholesale rates had risen sharply. "At Sadarghat, a maund (40 kg) of medium-sized hilsa now costs Tk 72,000-76,000," Mirdha told BSS.
Wholesalers echoed the concern, with Md Ramzan Ali of Karwan Bazar noting that large hilsa above 1 kg are selling for Tk 3,000-3,500 per kg at wholesale markets in Barisal, Barguna, Cox's Bazar, and Patuakhali. Medium-sized hilsa were priced at Tk 1,700-1,750 per kg, while smaller ones were Tk 1,150-1,200 per kg in coastal wholesale markets (Arats). "Prices have tripled in just a week," Ali said.