The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Huge quantities of 'Khasi Pangas', a local variety of sweet water fish, with plenty of Hilsha has been caught and supplied to the local markets leading to a decline in fish price in Barisal region.

Barisal BFDC fish market sources said, huge numbers of 'Khasi Pangas' weighing 5 to 25 kilograms each and above have been caught in the Maskata, Tentulia, Arial Kha, Bishkhali, Poshur, Baleswar, Kalabadar and Kirtonkhola rivers of the region.

Fishing boats from Sreepur, Bisharkandi, Bhashanchar, Charmonai Taltali, Tumchar areas of Barisal district unloaded huge quantities of 'Khasi Pangas' at Barisal BFDC market on Thursday and Friday.

Due to its gigantic size and weight, the local people call this fish 'Khasi Pangas'. Fishermen are selling 'Khasi Pangas' at the wholesale rate of Tk.80 to 150 per kg and at retail rate of Tk.100 to 175.

Hotel and restaurant owners and fish exporters mainly purchase large size 'Khasi Pangas'. Sometimes, groups of people buy the big ones for cost effectiveness and divide the fish among themselves.

Fish merchant sources said, they are very happy for the big catch of 'Khasi Pangas' at the last leg of the Hilsha season and the beginning of a seven month long ban on catching Hilsha fries from November 01.