Hilsa production in Bangladesh has fallen to its lowest level in eight years, leading to soaring prices and growing hardship for fishermen. According to official data, production dropped to 500,000 tons in the 2024–25 fiscal year, down from 529,000 tons the previous year. Despite government reports claiming steady growth, fishermen and traders in Chandpur say the actual catch has declined sharply, with many struggling to recover fuel and labor costs. Large hilsa now sells for 3,500–4,000 taka per kilogram, while smaller fish cost 2,000–3,000 taka.

Fishermen blame climate change, reduced river flow, and the rise of sandbars in the Padma and Meghna rivers for disrupting breeding and migration routes. Pollution from industrial waste and illegal fishing nets have further worsened the situation. Local fish traders report that daily hilsa supply at Chandpur’s market has dropped from over 1,000 maunds in 2020 to just 200–300 maunds today.

Experts warn that without effective dredging, pollution control, and enforcement against illegal nets, the national fish could face an even deeper crisis in the coming years.