Rajshahi, July 12 (V7N): Temporary fish markets have appeared in various locations around the city, including Shrirampur, Talaimari, Mizan's Morr, and Shyampur Balurghat, where local fishermen sell their catch from the Padma River. Fish are being sold at prices ranging from Tk 150 to 800 per kilogram depending on the size and type. River fish are in higher demand due to their superior taste compared to pond-raised fish.
 
On Saturday, July 12, around the Mizan’s Morr area, Mofij Uddin, a fisherman, was selling river-caught fish. "The water levels in the Padma River are rising, and now we are catching smaller fish, mostly Punti, Guchi, and Taki. However, these are fewer in number. After pulling the net for several hours, I only catch around 2 to 3 kilograms of fish. I start fishing in the boat around noon and return in the evening to sell the catch," he said.
 
Another vendor shared, "Fish aren’t available in large quantities right now. The river has received new water, and many fish have already laid eggs. The eggs will hatch into fry, which will eventually grow into bigger fish. The monsoon rains started in the month of Boishakh and have continued almost every day during the ongoing Ashar month. Due to this rainfall, some fish had already laid eggs, which have now hatched into fry. We are catching and selling those."
 
Fish buyer Jamil commented, "River fish taste better, so I try to buy them whenever I can. A few days ago, it was hard to find fish like this. Now, with the rise in water levels in the river, fish are being caught again. Several people are selling fish here. Many buyers come regularly, and we can find fish almost every day. The river fish are smaller in size right now. I bought a kilogram of mixed fish—Guchi, Taki, and shrimp—for Tk 600."
 
Abdur Rahim, another buyer, said, "In Rajshahi, we can find fish from the Padma River in several areas. The prices are relatively lower than those in the market. These smaller fish are caught by local fishermen, who often sell them directly or through middlemen who take them to the market. When the water levels in the river rise, the fishermen usually get better catches."
 
Shafiqul, a boatman at Shyampur Ghat, stated, "In the past, we used to catch a variety of fish from the river such as Ilish, Ayer, Boal, Pabda, and shrimp. Nowadays, fishermen are mostly catching Punti, Baim, and Guchi fish. With the rise in water levels, crossing the river has become easier for the people of Charbashi. The fare and travel time have reduced. Now, if a boat leaves from Satbaria Ghat, it can reach Khidirpur and Middlechar. Just a few months ago, people had to walk to cross the river."
 
Sopon Ali, a wholesale fish dealer who buys Padma fish and sells them in the market, added, "Currently, the number of fish in the river is comparatively low. With the new water coming into the river, the fry are growing. In a few days, the fishermen will start getting better catches."
 
Jahangir Alam, the Senior Fisheries Officer of Rajshahi District, confirmed the situation: "Some native species of fish are still available in the Padma River, including Punti, Guchi, Taki, and shrimp. These river fish are small in size, and their numbers are also relatively low at this time."
 
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