The usual hustle and bustle of Jatrabari fish market has turned into a quiet, almost reluctant affair after Eid-ul-Azha.While the city feasts on beef and mutton, the fish hoarders of Jatrabari are counting their losses – some in Pangasius, others in shrimp, and a few even watching their prized Hilsa go up in flames (figuratively, of course). 

Where did the crowd go? 
Just days ago, Jatrabari was a battlefield of bargaining, with pre-Eid shoppers scrambling for the freshest catch. But today? Barely 50 out of hundreds of shops dared to open. The rest? Either vacationing in villages or nursing post-Eid food comas. 

Hilsa on fire, Pangasius in the red 

While Hilsa remains the undisputed king – selling at a jaw-dropping Tk 2,900–3,500/kg for Chandpur’s finest – other fish are struggling to stay afloat. 

Pangasius:  Once sold at Tk 145–160/kg, now forced to go for Tk 160–180/kg – still a loss, laments Ramzan Sikder, a trader from Shariatpur. 

Bagda Shrimp:  Drowning in discounts – Tk 600–620/kg compared to Tk 750–800 pre-Eid. "No one even asks the price!" cries Sanjid Mandal. 

Small fish: Asadul Islam reports a Tk 20–30/kg loss – wholesalers aren’t biting. 

 The Rohu-Catla rollercoaster

Before Eid, prices dipped – now they’re climbing again. Badal Das, a trader dealing in Myanmar-sourced fish, sells Rohu-Catla at Tk 320–400/kg, blaming low supply.

Meanwhile, Jamal Hossain, a retailer, grumbles about buying Pabda at Tk 420/kg – higher than usual. 

Why the fish drought? 

Eid Exodus: Many fishmongers are still on holiday. 

Supply Chain Slowdown: Fewer fish being harvested from farms. 

Meat Over Fish: With beef and mutton dominating menus, demand for fish has tanked. 

Will the tide turn? 

For now, Jatrabari’s fish traders are stuck between melting ice and shrinking profits.

But as Eid feasts wind down, will the crowds return – or will the losses keep piling up like unsold Pangasius?