41kg Baghair caught in Jamuna sells for Tk 53,000 — but there’s a catch

A massive 41kg Baghair fish hauled from the Jamuna River in Manikganj has fetched Tk 53,000 at a local market.

The fish was caught in nets near Baghutia Char in Daulatpur in the early hours of Thursday.

By morning, it had become the centre of attention at Baghutia Char market, where it was put up for sale.

Mohammad Rahizul, a hotel owner at the market, said Md Asif Mia, Md Ohab Molla and Md Matin Sheikh caught the fish in the Jamuna.

“The fish weighed 41kg. Md Zakir Hossain, a Saudi Arabia-based expatriate from Baghutia Char, bought it for Tk 53,000 at Tk 1,300 per kg,” Rahizul said.

But the hefty catch came with a problem.

Daulatpur Upazila Fisheries Officer Suraiya Akter Tanvi said the Forest Department has prohibited the sale of Baghair.

Manikganj District Fisheries Officer Sheikh Monirul Islam Monir said he had not been aware of the catch.

“The Forest Department has declared Baghair an endangered species. Catching this fish is completely prohibited,” he said.

“We also advise people not to catch Baghair.”