The Chattogram Fisherighat is abuzz with activity. 
At the break of dawn, the waterfront of Fisherighat in Chattogram transforms into a bustling spectacle. Fishing trawlers and boats, one by one, weave their way through the morning mist, converging on the wharf. Thus begins a daily dose of unloading, sorting, and auctioning, creating a rhythmic dance of commerce that has been unfolding for over two centuries.
Fisherighat, originally set in motion at the hands of the Portuguese 200 years ago, has evolved into the largest fish landing centre and market in Bangladesh. Situated on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, adjacent to the Shah Amanat Bridge, this bustling hub encapsulates the essence of Bangladesh's rich fishing heritage.
From 5 am to 10 am, the wharf comes alive, witnessing the exchange of fish worth a staggering amount of Tk 200 million (20 crore) daily. During the hilsa season, this figure catapults into the hundreds of crores, attracting wholesale buyers from over 50 districts, eager to secure the freshest catch for markets across the nation.
A global fishery hub
Fisherighat isn't just a local market; it serves as an international gateway for seafood exports. Beyond the borders of Bangladesh, fish from this hub finds their way to markets in Myanmar, India and many other countries. A multitude of fish traders engage in contracts with vendors at Fisherighat, facilitating the export of diverse species to foreign countries.
The market is a melting pot of marine and freshwater bounty, welcoming not only wholesale traders but also retailers from the port city. These retailers traverse the wharf, selecting the finest sea fish to grace the shelves of local markets, providing an opportunity for fish enthusiasts to indulge in their favourite catches.
Diversity beyond imagination
The variety on display at Fisherighat is nothing short of extraordinary. From the familiar salmon and hilsa to the more exotic choices like cuttlefish and desi squid, the market is a haven for seafood aficionados. Every conceivable species of fish, be it cod, knife, popa, or phaisya, finds its place in this vibrant market. Alongside marine offerings, Fisherighat hosts an array of local freshwater species, including rui, katla, boal, and magur, sourced from ponds and farms.
This dynamic collection of fish reflects not only the diversity of marine and freshwater fishes but also the rich tapestry of Bangladesh's culinary traditions. The hub has become a cultural institution, intertwining commerce with the nation's gastronomic identity.
A crucible of livelihoods
Beyond the commerce, Fisherighat serves as the heartbeat of livelihoods for countless individuals. Fish workers, mutts, chawalas, panwalas, and market beggers converge on this space daily, forming an intricate network that sustains the bustling ecosystem. Approximately 250 fish shops, vital cogs in this machinery, orchestrate the sales process from dawn till 10 am.
Haji Muhammad Ali Saudagar, president of Fisherighat Aratdar Samiti, sheds light on the economic significance of this bustling market. With sales starting before dawn and continuing till 10 am, Fisherighat is the economic nucleus for nearly half a million people. Approximately 10 thousand fishing boats and trawlers from Chattogram find their buyers here, emphasizing the market's role as a critical economic pillar in the region.
The market's strategic location next to the river facilitates the swift movement of fish from boat to market, minimising wastage and ensuring top-notch quality. Babul Sarkar, the general secretary of the association, points out that this efficiency isn't limited to the national market; fish from Fisherighat is also sent abroad. Numerous cold storage facilities and exporters frequent the hub, ensuring that the catch reaches its destination in optimal condition.
A beacon of sustenance and tradition
Fisherighat is not merely a market but a beacon that illuminates the interplay of commerce, tradition, and sustenance in Bangladesh. It stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an industry that has been woven into the fabric of the nation for centuries.
As the sun rises over the Karnaphuli, casting its golden glow on the bustling hub, Fisherighat continues to narrate a story of economic vitality, cultural richness, and culinary diversity. It remains an indelible chapter in the narrative of Bangladesh's maritime heritage, an ever-evolving tale that resonates with the rhythm of the river and the resilience of the communities it sustains.
With its strategic location, Fisherighat doesn't merely sell fish; it encapsulates the spirit of a nation that finds solace and sustenance in the bounty of its waters. It is a living testament to the synergy between tradition and modernity, where age-old fishing practices meet state-of-the-art facilities, creating a harmonious coexistence that benefits both the sellers and consumers alike.
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