We couldn't lower the price of Hilsa: Adviser

Bangladesh’s Fisheries and Livestock Affairs Adviser Farida Akhtar has said that the government has been unable to bring down the price of hilsa fish this season due to a significant decline in catch compared to last year.

Speaking at a discussion meeting at the Kurigram Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Monday, Akhtar told reporters, “In July, hilsa catch dropped by 37 percent compared to the previous season. In August, the drop was 47 percent. That’s why prices are high in the market. We couldn’t bring them down.”

The adviser arrived in Kurigram on Sunday evening for an official visit.

Addressing public concerns over the rising prices of hilsa, she expressed regret that the government has yet to ensure affordable access for the general public.

"I’m deeply sorry that we haven't been able to improve the availability of hilsa for the people. It’s a matter of great regret for me," she said. "However, steps are being taken. We’ve initiated government-run sales of fish at subsidized prices through the Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC). Limited supplies of fish from northern regions will also be sent through BFDC to certain areas."

On efforts to conserve hilsa stocks, Akhtar highlighted the ministry’s success in protecting spawning hilsa, stating that the breeding rate had reached 52 percent this year.

"That gave us hope for higher availability. I believe jatka (juvenile hilsa) conservation is critical. The benefits of this year’s conservation efforts will be seen next year," she added.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz, Superintendent of Police Mahfuzur Rahman, and senior officials from the District Livestock and Fisheries Departments.