The dried fish market at Sonarpara Bazar in Ukhiya has become increasingly vibrant, with brisk trading from morning to evening drawing crowds of buyers and sellers.
Rows of stalls display a wide variety of marine dried fish, turning the market into a busy commercial hub and bringing renewed economic activity to the area.
Traders said demand for dried fish has surged severalfold as fresh fish supplies have declined due to fishing restrictions. As a result, both wholesale and retail trade have picked up significantly, with daily transactions reaching substantial volumes.
Dried fish trader Fazr Hossain said demand nearly doubles when fishing activities are halted, as people tend to stock up on dried fish during such periods.
He added that among local consumers, dried small shrimp, chapila, hilsa, white loitta, and kachki are the most popular varieties.
Buyers are arriving from distant areas every day—some purchasing for daily consumption, while others are stocking up for future use.
Overall, the Sonarpara dried fish market in Ukhiya is emerging as an important contributor to the local economy, supporting livelihoods and sustaining trade in the coastal region.
By Mohammad Morhsed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
