Chittagong’s Asadganj dry fish market faces rising prices as domestic production wanes
Photo Collected
Asadganj, a bustling wholesale hub in Chattogram, remains the primary pulse of Bangladesh’s dried fish trade, drawing vast supplies from coastal regions including Cox’s Bazar, Moheshkhali, Kutubdia, Sandwip, Hatiya, and Patuakhali. While the industry traditionally peaks during the winter months, the market remains active year-round, serving as a vital artery for retailers who distribute diverse species—ranging from budget-friendly Bombay duck (loitta) to premium lakkhya and coral—to every corner of the country.
The market landscape is a sensory experience, characterized by narrow alleys flanked by rows of shops where burlap sacks and traditional clay pots hold the seasoned catch. Prices vary significantly based on quality and species, starting at a few hundred taka and climbing to thousands per kilogram. At the high end of the spectrum is the lakkhya, which, owing to its rarity and premium quality, commands a price of approximately 5,000 taka per kilogram. In contrast, staple varieties like small dried shrimp, locally known as “icha,” remain accessible, with smaller grades retailing for as low as 300 to 400 taka per kilogram.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Market trends underscore the enduring demand for dried shrimp, which is a kitchen staple for many Chittagong households, frequently used in vegetable dishes, traditional mash (bharta), and stir-fries. Other varieties, such as ribbon fish (chhuri), loitta, and the fermented chepa, maintain steady sales despite rising costs. According to local traders, the reliance on these products is driven by their shelf life and versatility, as a single kilogram can sustain a household for several weeks.
Traditional storage methods persist alongside modern industrial requirements. Many merchants still rely on large clay pots, which, when sealed airtight, keep the fish preserved for extended periods. However, as temperatures rise and consumer expectations for quality increase, cold storage has become an essential, albeit costly, necessity for larger inventories.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The economic significance of Asadganj is substantial, with the Chattogram Dried Fish Traders Association reporting that the hub hosts 50 wholesale depots and 330 retail shops, generating an annual turnover of approximately 1 billion taka. Despite this volume, the sector faces mounting challenges. Research published in the International Journal of Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharma Research has previously highlighted issues such as supply chain fragmentation, high transportation costs, and a lack of market infrastructure.
Current industry leaders emphasize that a decline in domestic production has forced the market to become increasingly dependent on imports from India and Myanmar, particularly for species like loitta, poa, and ribbon fish. Industry stakeholders, including association general secretary Md. Osman Haider, note that import duties and logistical expenses—amounting to roughly 170 to 180 taka per kilogram—place significant upward pressure on retail prices. Traders argue that reducing these import duties would provide essential relief to middle- and low-income families who rely on dried fish as a primary, cost-effective source of protein.
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