Chandpur:Fishermen have returned in large numbers to the Padma-Meghna rivers following the conclusion of a 22-day ban aimed at protecting mother hilsa during their breeding season. The rivers are now bustling with activity as thousands of fishermen hope to make successful catches of the prized silver fish.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, fishing boats are traversing the 70-kilometre stretch of the Padma-Meghna rivers in Chandpur, with the first catches already arriving at riverside fish depots. The previously quiet fish landing centers have come alive with the sounds of auctioneers, as fresh hilsa, along with pangas and other fish varieties, are brought ashore for sale. Traders and workers, who had been inactive during the ban, are now busy buying and selling fish, although hilsa prices have remained stable.
Fishing activities were observed firsthand at the Harina fish ghat in Chandpur Sadar upazila between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Many fishermen ventured into the rivers after midnight, and boats arrived at the ghat adjacent to Harina ferry ghat by daybreak. The ghat hosts about 20 small and large hilsa depots where fish are auctioned and sold quickly, with little being preserved for later sale.
Local retailers purchase fresh hilsa to sell in Chandpur town, while wholesale traders transport it to larger landing centers. Fisherman Litan Tapadar from Gobindapur village reported selling hilsa worth Tk 12,000 at dawn, expressing hope that continued catches would help repay debts. Another fisherman, Abul Kalam Khan, noted selling their catch for Tk 15,000 and planned to return to the river after a break, although he expressed concern about a potential decline in hilsa availability.
Depot owner Jahangir Hossain reported high demand for hilsa, with prices ranging from Tk 2,500 to Tk 650 per kilogram, depending on the size. He noted that some fishermen were also catching pangas, which sell at varying prices based on size. Another depot owner, Md Selim, mentioned that fish began arriving at the ghat in the morning, and trends in hilsa arrivals would become clearer soon.
Further observations from depot owner Ibrahim Mia indicated that larger hilsa were arriving in greater numbers post-ban, but smaller fish supply remained low. Veteran trader Sirajul Islam Soyal expressed concern over the enforcement of fishing regulations, noting continued catches of mother hilsa despite efforts.
Chandpur Sadar Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Mirza Omar Faruque stated that fishermen were benefiting from enforcement drives aimed at protecting young and mother hilsa. He suggested that pangas farming could be introduced as a project to contribute to the national economy alongside hilsa.