Princh Mondal Olif, Bagerhat District Correspondent:

Although it is the peak hilsa fishing season, fishermen in Bagerhat and other coastal areas are facing an acute shortage of the country's most prized fish. Adverse weather, climate change, and the widespread use of illegal fishing nets are being blamed for the declining hilsa catch, putting thousands of fishing families under severe financial pressure.

Frequent low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal have kept the sea rough, preventing many fishing boats from operating regularly. As a result, numerous trawlers are returning to shore with little or no catch, causing a sharp decline in fish supplies to local wholesale markets.

Fishermen and fish traders also allege that illegal behundi nets in river estuaries and the reported intrusion of Indian fishing trawlers are disrupting hilsa migration and breeding. They argue that seasonal fishing bans in Bangladesh alone are not enough and suggest coordinated conservation measures between Bangladesh and India to protect hilsa stocks.

Officials from the Fisheries Department acknowledge that illegal nets are obstructing the natural movement of hilsa. They stress the importance of stronger enforcement, sustainable fisheries management, and long-term support for fishing communities.

With hilsa becoming increasingly scarce, market prices have risen significantly, making the fish less affordable for ordinary consumers. Experts warn that without effective action against climate change impacts, illegal fishing, and habitat degradation, the coastal fisheries sector may face even greater challenges in the years ahead.