Staff Correspondent:

Though the hilsa catch is at its peak, large shoals are being hauled in as fishermen return from the Bay of Bengal. From coastal auctions to wholesale and retail markets in Chattogram, the silver fish has flooded the scene.

Yet, despite the ample supply, prices remain exorbitantly high, making this prized fish inaccessible to lower- and middle-income families.

Even with a bountiful catch, the price surge has left buyers frustrated. During the ebb tide, boats dock along the coast and unload crates of hilsa at Rani Rasmoni Ghat. The fish are sorted by weight and size before the auctioning begins.

Major wholesalers quickly drive prices up with their bids. Hundreds of maunds of hilsa are sold daily at the ghat. Once the auctions conclude, the catch is sent to wholesale markets in Dhaka, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.

In addition to the auctions, retail sales occur directly at the ghat. Buyers, not involved in wholesale, visit the site to purchase fresh hilsa, typically limited to one or two kilograms, depending on their budget.

This gives some a chance to enjoy fresh hilsa, but at a steep cost.

A kilogram of hilsa sold for Tk 1,700 at Rasmoni Ghat. Larger fish fetched up to Tk 2,500 per kilogram. By the time the fish reach city retail markets after changing hands several times, the price often climbs to Tk 2,000–Tk 3,500 or even more – making it unaffordable for ordinary consumers.

Retailers claim hilsa changes hands at least four times – from boats to depots to wholesalers – before reaching markets. They argue that this “four-hand cycle” is driven by syndicate manipulation, which artificially inflates prices.

Rising preservation and transportation costs further exacerbate the issue. Both wholesalers and retailers believe government intervention could help reduce prices.

Despite the high prices, the ghat remains a vibrant marketplace. Labourers unload crates, wholesalers haggle loudly, and small traders call out to customers, creating a unique rhythm around Bangladesh’s most cherished fish.