Dhaka's Aquarium Fish Fair 2025 makes waves in Old Town

By the time the clock struck 10 at night, the crowd at the Aquarium Festival 2025 in Azimpur was still buzzing with excitement. From October 9 to 11, the usually quiet community centre in Old Dhaka transformed into a lively hub of aquariums, vibrant fish, curious children, and happy chatter.
The event was organised by individuals, opening its gates from 9 AM and continuing until late evening, welcoming hundreds of visitors every day. Rows of stalls showcased aquariums of all sizes, aquatic plants, fish food, and even exotic reptiles, drawing crowds eager to see something new.

People of all ages gathered around the stalls, pointing, talking, and taking pictures.
Children stood on tiptoes trying to get a glimpse of the vibrant tanks filled with glowing guppies, goldfish, and bettas. Parents, on the other hand, discussed which fish would be easier to take care of at home.
"I'm here with my son. He wanted to see the colourful fish, but now I'm thinking of getting one myself," laughed Rahima Akter, a visitor from Azimpur. "We usually see fairs for clothes or food, but this one is different. It's refreshing," she added.
Many visitors shared the same feeling. Sajid Hasan, a student from Lalbagh, said, "I didn't know there were so many kinds of fish. I am amazed to see tanks with rare species."
The festival wasn't just about buying and selling; it was also about celebrating. It was also a space for sharing knowledge.
The seller explained the differences between fish species, how to maintain the tanks, and even the right kind of plants to use.
Among the stalls, one corner drew the biggest crowd. It was a shop where people gathered shoulder to shoulder, craning their necks to see what was inside the glass boxes. Suddenly, a man shouted, "Don't worry, you don't have to buy-just come and see this wild creature!" The "wild creature" was a large spider, displayed safely inside a glass container. It startled a few but fascinated many more.
The energy of the fair reflected a growing interest in aquariums and exotic pets among residents of Dhaka. In a city full of noise and traffic, many said these little tanks bring a sense of calm.
More than business
For sellers, the festival was as much about exposure as it was about trade. Md Ismail Hossain, the owner of Glassy Green, stood proudly beside his stall, which was filled with beautifully designed glass terrariums. "I didn't come here to sell," he said with a smile. "This is more of a marketing thing for me. I wanted people to know my brand and see what I can create," he added.
He explained that each stall measured around five by seven feet, costing seven thousand taka for the three-day fair. "It's worth it," Mr Ismail added. "Even if I don't sell much, the exposure and conversations I'm having here are valuable."
"We had a crowd more than our expectations," Mahmudul Jahin, the owner of Aqua World. He said, "I sold fish worth around 40 to 45 thousand taka. It was amazing."
Nearby, another seller was arranging neatly planted aquariums in geometric glass jars. A lady who was selling aquarium products said, "This medium-sized jar-about 12 by 6 inches-costs around 5,000 taka. People love them for their homes and offices."
She added with a smile, "I'm really enjoying the crowd. People are so enthusiastic! Some ask serious questions about maintenance, while others want to take pictures. It's fun."
Aquatic beauty everywhere
Walking through the fair, one could see tanks glowing in neon light-some with tiny guppies darting around, others with bright orange goldfish. Labels on tanks display prices ranging from 250 taka to 2,000 taka, depending on the size and species of the fish.
There were also stalls selling aquarium decorations, filters, and plant varieties. One corner displayed lush green terrariums under LED lights, giving a jungle-like feel inside glass boxes. Visitors admired the creativity and often stopped to ask how they could create such mini gardens at home.
Old Dhaka's love for pets
Beyond the excitement, many visitors hoped that such fairs would happen more often. "Old Dhaka is full of pet lovers," said Tariq Ahmed, who came from Chawkbazar. "Not just cats or birds-many people here keep fish. But we rarely get to see so many products and ideas in one place. This kind of fair should happen at least twice a year," he added.
Mr Samin Yeasin Safin, one of the key organisers of the event, wishes to arrange it in future. He said, "It was a boom. We received a great response from the visitors. We would love to organise a fair once a year and hold exhibitions as well."
That thought echoed throughout the event. The fair was not just a place to buy fish-it became a meeting point for people who share a love for aquatic life. The laughter, discussions, and shared interests turned the fair into a lively community space.
By the end of each day, the hall still buzzed with energy. Families left with small bags of fish, students carried new aquarium plants, and sellers packed up with mixed feelings, already planning for the next event.
"I think this is just the beginning," said Mr Ismail before closing his stall. "People are slowly realising that aquariums aren't decoration only. And after seeing this crowd, I can tell the hobby is growing."
The aquarium fish fair added life to the streets of Azimpur. For three days, it proved that even in the heart of busy Dhaka, there's room for calm waters, curious minds, and a shared love for life under glass.
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