Hilsa returns to Chandpur markets after ban; prices fall, buyers rejoice

After a two-month ban that kept nets dry and hopes high, the beloved hilsa has returned to Chandpur's markets, rekindling excitement among fishermen and food lovers alike.

The renewed supply has led to a noticeable fall in prices, bringing relief to fish lovers and low-income families.

A recent visit to Chandpur's main fish landing station, known as the Chandpur Fish Landing Centre or 'Boro Station Macch Ghat', showed a marked rise in activity.

Around 50 maunds of hilsa are now being brought in daily.

Coolies like Fazal and Almas were seen working nonstop to handle the increasing volume.

Senior fish traders, including Nurul Islam, Didar Khan and Shajahan Sardar, said hilsa from southern coastal areas such as Hatiya, Bhola, Sandwip and Charfesson have started arriving by pickup vans in recent days.

Daily deliveries are now from 40 to 50 maunds.

Fishing trawlers, which usually bring in 150–200 maunds at a time, have not yet resumed operations following the end of the ban. Even so, the growing supply from pickup vans over the past three days has helped stabilise the market and drive down retail prices.

This decline is visible across Chandpur's key markets—Natun Bazar, Pal Bazar, Wireless Bazar, Puran Bazar and Baburhat.

Just a few weeks ago, a one-kilogram hilsa was priced at Tk 3,000.

Now it is selling for around Tk 2,500. Medium-sized fish weighing 700–800 grams are currently priced at Tk 1,700–1,800 per kilogramme, down from Tk 2,300.

Smaller hilsa in the 300–400 gram range, sold in groups of three to make a kilo, are now available for Tk 1,000–1,100.

At Biponi Bagh, Chandpur's busiest fish market, the same trend is clear. One-kilogramme Padma hilsa are retailing at Tk 2,200–2,500, down from Tk 3,000–3,200. Fish weighing 600–700 grams are selling at Tk 1,500–1,550 per kilogramme, compared to earlier rates of Tk 2,200–2,300.

Shoppers, many with smiles on their faces, were seen leaving markets with prized fish in hand.

Traders said hilsa from the southern coastal districts are more affordable than those from the Padma River.

One-kilogramme coastal hilsa is now priced at Tk 1,700–1,800. Smaller varieties are going for Tk 800–900 per kilogramme.

Still, many buyers said these lack the distinctive taste and aroma associated with Padma hilsa.

Fisheries officials, including Miznur Rahman and Mahbub-e-Rashid, sounded optimistic about what lies ahead.

"July through September will see abundant catches," said one official.

Hilsa traders and fishermen shared the same outlook. Shabebarat Sarkar, a trader with over 40 years of experience and president of a local fish traders' association, said the volume of river hilsa will rise sharply once the monsoon sets in. Sea fishing remains under a separate ban.

"With increased rainfall in June and July, water levels and river currents will rise—conditions that are ideal for hilsa migration," he said.

"We expect larger catches and even lower prices in the coming weeks," he added.

As hilsa returns in greater numbers and prices ease, Chandpur's markets are once again buzzing, with the energy of fish trading and the cheer of happy customers.