Ilish prices in Madaripur increased two-fold ahead of Pohela Boishakh.
Prices reportedly increased as a business syndicate created an artificial scarcity and the illegal fishing of jatka.
A medium sized Ilish sold for around Tk1300-1500 per kg in the markets of Madaripur, while a month ago it was Tk700-900 per kg. The current price of a maund of Ilish in the markets stands at Tk24,000-26,000, while a month ago it was around Tk15,000-17,000.
Alongside Ilish, prices of other fish rose as well. Rui was sold at Tk300 per kg, Catla at Tk300 per kg , and Chital around Tk300-500 per kg.
In a visit to the markets of four upazilas, fish prices were found to be significantly higher than in March.
There were buyers at the markets who were able to afford Ilish at the higher prices, but buying the fish was a dream for middle-class and low-income customers.
A customer, Ripon, said:" I have come to the market to buy Ilish to eat with 'panta bhat' on Pohela Boishakh. The prices are so high that I cannot think of purchasing it anymore. I will buy Jatka or any other fish."
Director (district division) of Madaripur Human Rights Foundation, Yakub Ali Howlader, also bought Jatka and said: "We are used to celebrating Pohela Boishakh with Ilish and 'panta bhat.' It will take time for us to come out of this tradition."
