A massive Bagair fish weighing 90 kilograms was caught in the net of a fisherman in the Brahmaputra River within Chilmari Upazila of Kurigram, drawing widespread public attention and highlighting ongoing conservation concerns. The rare freshwater catch was reeled in on Friday morning (October 24) by a local fisherman named Narendra Nath in the Putimari area under Raniganj Union. The incident gained substantial traction across social media platforms on Saturday (October 25), triggering discussions among local residents and environmental observers alike.
Following the catch, the giant fish was brought to the local market, where crowds of curious onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of it. Local fish trader Saju Mia subsequently purchased the 90-kilogram Bagair for 110,000 Taka. By Friday evening, the fish was transported to the Pump Mor area of Chilmari, where it was butchered and retailed in smaller portions, ultimately fetching a total of 135,000 Taka at a rate of 1,500 Taka per kilogram.
Explaining the surge in such catches, trader Saju Mia noted that receding water levels in the Brahmaputra River have made it easier for fishermen to net large aquatic species, including Bagair and Pangas. He added that these large river fish enjoy immense market demand, with affluent buyers, industrialists, bureaucrats, and political leaders frequently placing advance orders and utilizing home-delivery services.
Despite the commercial demand, conservationists and legal frameworks classify the Bagair as a critically endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Furthermore, under the Wildlife Conservation and Security Act of Bangladesh, catching this endangered fish constitutes a punishable offense. Environmental advocates have repeatedly pointed out that despite existing legal prohibitions, lax implementation has allowed the open hunting and retail of Bagair in local markets.
Addressing the incident, Acting Chilmari Upazila Fisheries Officer Md. Emdadul Haq acknowledged that he had received reports of the large Bagair being caught. Emphasizing the need for ecological preservation, he asserted that beyond the efforts of the fisheries department, a collective public commitment is essential to safeguarding indigenous fish reproduction and ensuring the long-term preservation of aquatic species in the Brahmaputra River.
