Fishermen worried, local market under pressure
Hilsa is not only the national fish of Bangladesh but also a part of culture, tradition, and pride. Every year before the Durga Puja festival, the government of Bangladesh allows a fixed quantity of Hilsa to be exported to India, mainly for West Bengal where the demand is very high. This year, the government has given permission to export 1,200 tonnes of Hilsa.
However, the challenge is serious: fishermen are catching fewer fish in the rivers, and many people are asking whether this quota can really be met without creating more trouble in the local market.
Why fishermen are anxious
In rivers like the Padma and Meghna, Hilsa catches have fallen. Fishermen say they spend long hours casting nets but return with only a small number of fish. They point to several reasons:
River pollution: Waste and plastics disturb breeding areas.
Illegal nets: Fine-mesh nets catch young fish and destroy eggs.
Climate change: Rising water temperature and salinity changes disturb migration.
Weak enforcement: Even during breeding bans, some still catch fish.
Because of these problems, the number of Hilsa in the rivers has dropped. Fishermen fear that exporting such a large amount may increase their hardship, as local buyers already complain about high prices.
Rising prices in the market
In Dhaka and other big cities, the price of medium-sized Hilsa now ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 taka per piece. Many middle-class families who once bought Hilsa regularly now see it as a luxury item.
Under the new rule, the export price of Hilsa must not fall under Tk 1,100 per kg, as declared by the government. Exporters welcome this, as they can earn good profit. But local consumers fear the domestic market will suffer, and prices will rise further.
Government’s explanation
Officials say the export quota is limited and carefully controlled. The aim is to strengthen bilateral relations and also to earn foreign currency. At the same time, they assure that enough Hilsa will remain in the local market. The Department of Fisheries has promised to enforce a strict ban on catching fish during the breeding season and to act against illegal nets.
People’s expectations
Ordinary consumers argue that domestic demand should come first. They believe the government must balance foreign trade with the right of local people to buy Hilsa at fair prices. On the other hand, some policy experts think that even limited exports help maintain good ties with India, and stopping exports completely may hurt diplomacy.
The bigger picture
If river catches continue to decline, thousands of fishermen may face poverty. Many of them have loans to pay for boats and nets. Without enough fish, their livelihoods are at risk. Experts say river protection, pollution control, and strong monitoring during the breeding season are essential to secure the future of Hilsa.
Conclusion
Hilsa is more than a fish—it is a national treasure of Bangladesh. Exporting it brings money and strengthens ties with neighbors, but the priority must also be to keep it affordable for the people of Bangladesh. The main questions now are: will the export quota be fulfilled when catches are already low, and will local families still be able to enjoy Hilsa on their dining tables?
The answers will depend on government policy, fishermen’s cooperation, and how well nature supports the next Hilsa season.