195kg 'bol' fish sells for Tk1,700 per kg in Teknaf

A Bol fish (a type of trout) weighing a whopping 195 kg, caught at the mouth of the Naf River near Shah Porir Dwip, was sold for Tk1,700 per kg to buyers in Teknaf's market.

The sale took place today (17 February) morning at around 9am, when the fish was brought to the market in a van and cut into pieces by four workers.

In just two hours, the entire fish was sold out, leaving many potential buyers disappointed.

Huge bol fish sold in Teknaf on 17 February 2025. Photo: TBS

A large crowd gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the giant fish and purchase a portion for themselves.

Despite prior announcements via loudspeakers that the fish would be sold at Tk1,600 per kg, the price was raised to Tk1,700 at the time of sale. This discrepancy left some buyers frustrated.

"I bought 10 kg of the fish at Tk1,700 per kg. Though it is a bit pricey, I wanted to share it with my family and relatives," said Shahidul Islam, a local buyer. "However, the price was initially announced as Tk1,600 per kg, and an extra Tk100 per kg was charged. Many were unable to buy due to this sudden price hike."

The sellers refrained from selling smaller portions of 1 kg or 2 kg, ensuring only larger cuts were sold.

"There was no price control, and we were compelled to buy at the rate dictated by the sellers," lamented a customer.

Fish trader Zafar Alam, who purchased the fish from the fishermen, defended the pricing.

"We barely made a profit after accounting for expenses. Almost 25kg of the fish was lost while cleaning it. Transport and other costs also added up. This was a business decision, and we had to price it accordingly."

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin responded to concerns about potential consumer exploitation, stating, "If we had received any complaints regarding unfair pricing, we would have taken action. However, I was informed that a large number of people gathered to buy the fish."

The massive fish was caught yesterday around 11am in the Golarchar area of Shah Porir Dwip. It was ensnared in the fishing nets of Mohammad Kalu Fakir, a local fisherman from Konarpara, Shah Porir Dwip.

Initially, the fish was priced at Tk3.5 lakh at the Mistripara fishing port but was ultimately sold to fish trader Zafar Alam for Tk2.6 lakh, who later transported and sold it in Teknaf.

"This is an exceptional catch. Bol fish of this size are rare. During winter, fishermen occasionally catch specimens weighing between 5 kg and 15 kg. This species can grow up to 400 kg in size. Due to strict government regulations on fishing during breeding seasons, fish are now reaching their full growth potential, benefitting both the ecosystem and the fishermen," Teknaf Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Delwar Hossain said.