Despite the peak Hilsa season, the prized fish has nearly disappeared from the River Bishkhali in Betagi of Barguna district.

Fishermen are returning home empty-handed, while prices for the few fish caught have surged.

Hundreds of fishermen go out daily, but most return empty-handed. Often, only two to four small Hilsa are caught in nets, a stark contrast to the once-abundant harvests.

The Hilsa season runs during the months of Bhadra, Ashwin, and Kartik. Fishermen say their daily expenses far exceed their earnings.

“Fuel, ice, food — everything costs around Tk1,500 per day, but our income is less than Tk500. Some days we catch nothing at all,” said Jalil Hawladar, a fisherman from Jhopkhali village.

Mosharef Hossain added, “This river used to be full of Hilsa. Now, even if we cast our nets all night, we often don’t catch a single fish.”

Fishermen from Jhopkhali, Fultala, Putiakhali, Mokamiya, Badnikhali, Kalikabari, and Bibichini unions said the sharp decline in Hilsa threatens their livelihoods and makes it difficult to cover basic daily costs.

Most Hilsa currently caught in the Bishkhali weigh only 300–500 grams. Larger fish are rare and priced beyond affordability. In Betagi Municipality market, Hilsa weighing 600–700 grams sells for Tk1,300–1,500 per kilogram, while fish over one kilogram cost Tk1,800–2,000.

“The availability of Hilsa has dropped drastically, and supply does not meet demand,” said Sunil Howlader, a fish trader in Betagi Bazar. He added that sand accumulation in parts of the River Bishkhali, severe drought, industrial waste, and illegal nets have destroyed the natural habitat of Hilsa, keeping them away during the breeding season.

Betagi Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Turan confirmed the crisis. “We are addressing factors affecting Hilsa habitats. Fishermen are being informed, and the upazila administration, with the task force committee, is enforcing restrictions during the fishing ban period,” he said.