SONARGAON, NARAYANGANJ, Dec 13: The early hours at Baidyer Bazar Fishery Ghat in Sonargaon come alive with the sound of the Meghna River and the bustle of fishermen and traders. Known as a major hub for small freshwater fish, the ghat sees daily sales worth around Tk 20 lakh.
The market, situated along the Meghna riverbank, opens in the pre-dawn hours and closes shortly after sunrise. Buyers from Dhaka, Narayanganj, and surrounding areas, including wholesalers and retailers, arrive in boats and small trawlers to purchase fish. Fishermen bring various species from the Meghna, which are then auctioned to wholesalers. The fish are subsequently distributed to markets across Dhaka and Narayanganj.
At the ghat, visitors can find a wide variety of small local fish including tengra, pabda, meni, bila, chingri, baim, poa, kajli, kachki, mola, bajri, boicha, puti, koi, shing, and tekchanda. Large fish such as rohu, katla, bagha aird, hilsa, boal, and chital are also sold.
Regular buyers from Dhaka, like Mahbubul Alam and Sajjad Mia, said, "We come here every month because the fish are fresh and delicious. The small fish are always a family favorite." Maruf Hasan and Akbar Ali from Fatulla said they visit weekly to buy fish for home and relatives, adding that rising prices and middlemen have made purchasing slightly more expensive.
Wholesale seller Jasim Uddin from Demra said, the demand for Meghna's small fish is high, and many customers pre-order for home delivery. "People who taste these fish rarely forget the flavor," he added.
Traders at the ghat, including Mohammad Uzzal, Subol Barman, Monir Hossain, Shibu Barman, Bakul Barman, Nimal Barman, and Jibon Barman, said fishermen from Comilla's Meghna Thana, Araihazar, and Nunertek in Sonargaon sell their catch here. Small fish sales alone reach Tk 15-20 lakh daily. They noted that the current season sees slightly fewer catches, which can push prices higher.
Senior Fisheries Officer of Sonargaon Upazila Mahmuda Akhtar said the market's reputation has spread across Dhaka and nearby districts.
"We take pride in the Meghna River's fresh small fish and provide government support to local fishermen to sustain this trade," she said.
Baidyer Bazar Fishery Ghat continues to be a key center for both local livelihoods and the culinary preferences of fish lovers in Dhaka and Narayanganj.
