Chattogram:The Asadganj wholesale market in Chattogram, a century-old hub for dried fish, boasts an impressive annual turnover exceeding Tk 2,400 crore. The market, which sells approximately 30,000 tonnes of dried fish each year, is a pivotal center in Bangladesh's dried fish trade, attracting thousands of visitors daily.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Asadganj market operates with 45 wholesale commission houses and about 300 retail shops, supporting the livelihoods of countless workers. The market is active every day, with peak activity on Saturdays and Tuesdays, as wholesalers from across Bangladesh converge to meet 30 to 35 percent of the national demand for dried fish.
Nationally, the demand for dried fish is around 60,000 tonnes annually, with domestic production covering 27,000 tonnes. The remainder, approximately 33,000 tonnes, is imported from Myanmar, India, and Pakistan. Wholesale prices in the market vary based on the fish's size, dryness, and quality.
Chattogram's dried fish is not only popular within Bangladesh but also sees significant exports to the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The processing hubs, located along the Bay of Bengal and the Karnaphuli River, employ around 5,000 workers across more than 200 sites, where 20 to 25 species of fish are sun-dried daily.
The local dried fish industry is renowned for its distinctive taste, attributed to the natural conditions of the region. Despite the decline in domestic production, imports help fulfill demand, with key varieties imported from India and Myanmar. The sector remains a crucial part of Bangladesh's economy, serving both domestic consumption and international markets.