Hilsa frenzy sees chandana, sardines passed off as prized catch ahead of Baishakh

Traders warn that fish rejected as unfit in Western markets for export are entering Bangladesh and being sold under different names

Demand for hilsa has surged in Dhaka ahead of Pahela Baishakh, but alongside the prized silver fish, traders are slipping cheaper lookalikes -- chandana, also known as toli shad, and sardines -- into buyers’ baskets.

In some markets, marine sardines are even being sold as “chandana hilsa”, a near-identical fish imported from Myanmar.

Smaller and less lustrous than hilsa, the fish often goes unnoticed by unsuspecting buyers.

Chandana, while a type of hilsa, lacks the distinctive taste of the premium variety.

After cooking, distinguishing these fish from genuine hilsa becomes nearly impossible, said Obaidur Rahman, a trader at Jatrabari wholesale market.

“Spices overpower the fish during cooking, making it difficult to tell the difference,” he said. “Only regular hilsa consumers can somewhat identify it. Frying also alters the taste.”

The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute says fish such as chapila and sardines, which resemble hilsa, are widely available in the country.

Traders, speaking anonymously, admitted mixing chandana and sardines with hilsa to stay profitable.

“If we don’t mix, it won’t be viable for us,” one said.

Nazmul Islam, a trader, said: “We sell it as chandana hilsa. If someone passes it off as hilsa, that’s not our fault.”

Another seller, Elias Hossain said chandana sells for half the price of hilsa.

“Not everyone can afford hilsa -- this is the poor man’s hilsa.”

Mohammad Shahjalal, secretary general of the Bangladesh Marine Fisheries Association, warned that many imported small fish pose health risks.

“Fish declared unfit for export in Western countries are coming into our market,” he said, calling for stricter quality control and proper labelling.

Price snapshot

Sardines (250–400g): Tk 250–400 per kg

Larger sardines: Tk 900–1,000 per kg

Hilsa (500–700g): Tk 1,500 per kg

Smaller hilsa: Tk 1,100–1,200 per kg

Larger hilsa: Tk 2,000–3,500 per kg

Retail prices are slightly higher, traders said.

Despite ample supply, sales remain sluggish.

“People aren’t buying,” said trader Mizanur Rahman. “If these fish aren’t sold [on Monday], we’ll have to sell them cheaper [Tuesday, Pahela Baishakh].”

Buyer Asif Mahmud said he spent Tk 8,000 on five fish.

“Prices are very high,” he said.

Trading peaks late at night in wholesale markets, with activity thinning after sunrise.