BRAHMANBARIA, Apr 19: A centuries-old tradition of dry fish trading once again turned festive on the Kulikunda Government Primary School field in Nasirnagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria, where the historic Baishakhi Shutki Banni (dried-fish fair) wrapped up on Thursday amid heavy crowds and brisk business.
The two-day fair, which began early Wednesday, showcased a vibrant mix of heritage, commerce, and rural culture. From dawn on the final day, traders and buyers thronged the venue as stalls filled with dried fish were set up and sales gained momentum.
Vendors from different parts of the country displayed a wide variety of dried fish, while buyers moved from stall to stall bargaining for the best prices. The atmosphere grew lively with loud calls of traders, negotiations, and the continuous movement of visitors.
Locals say the fair is nearly 300 years old, although its exact origin remains unknown. What began as a traditional barter-based exchange has now evolved into a cash-driven marketplace, yet it continues to preserve its cultural identity.
The Banni featured dried fish of both marine and freshwater varieties, including loitta, tangra, baim, shol, gazar, boal, and puti. Prices varied depending on size, quality, and demand, with traders reporting strong sales this year.
Around 150 stalls were set up, with traders arriving from different districts. Buyers and sellers described the trading environment as positive, with steady transactions throughout the event.
Organizers said law enforcement agencies were deployed to ensure security and smooth management of the fair. No major incidents were reported during the two-day programme.
Trade participants estimate that dried fish worth over Tk 1 crore may have been sold, reflecting the growing commercial importance of the fair alongside its cultural significance.
In addition to the Shutki market, a parallel folk and handicraft fair added to the attraction, drawing families and visitors from surrounding areas. The combined events turned the school grounds into a bustling cultural hub.
Journalist Akhtar Hossain noted that although the exact timeline of the tradition is unclear, it has been passed down through generations and is believed to be around three centuries old.
