Critically endangered 150kg Baghair being sold openly in Sylhet
A 150-kg Gangetic Goonch, commonly known as Baghair fish, is on display for sale at the traditional Lalbazar fish market in Sylhet city today (October 25, 2022).
Though the hunting, buying, selling and transporting of this "critically endangered" fish is legally prohibited, such hunting and selling go on regularly.
Scientifically known as Bagarius yarrelli, this freshwater fish is "critically endangered" in the Red List of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The fish is also a protected wildlife species under Schedule 2 of the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.
According to this law, fishing, buying, selling, transporting or possessing Baghair fish is a punishable offence and the maximum punishment for this offence is one-year imprisonment or a fine of Tk50,000 or both.
Billal Miah, the seller of the Baghair fish displayed in Lalbazar, said, "The fish was caught by fishermen from Kushiyara river at ​​Fenchuganj upazila in Sylhet today at around 8am. I bought it from fishermen and brought it here for sale. I am asking Tk 2,000 per kg and will sell it tomorrow (Wednesday) morning after cutting it into pieces."
He, however, said that he is not aware of the legal barrier to purchasing or selling the fish.
Earlier, on April 11, a 60kg Baghair caught from the Kushiyara river, 100 kg Baghair from the Surma river on March 27, and 120kg Baghair fish from the Surma river on January 12 were also sold in this market. In addition, various small-medium-size Baghair fish are regularly sold in this market.
When the large-size Baghair fish is brought to Lalbazar for sale, the bazaar committee announces the news in the city and the fish is kept for public display.
Abdul Karim Kim, general secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Surma River Waterkeeper, said, "It creates hope that such huge-size Baghair fish is still available in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers. But at the same time, it is disappointing to see the rampant hunting and selling of the fish. If such act continues, the fish will go be completely extinct in near future."
"As the fish is protected by the Wildlife Act, the forest and the fisheries departments should take stern action against the fishing and selling. A massive awareness campaign is also needed to increase public awareness."
Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation division of the Forest Department, said, "In a recent drive against selling Baghair fish in Moulvibazar, we understood that the fishermen and sellers are ignorant of the law and that creates chaos during drives."
"Considering the awareness campaign, we have prepared posters and leaflets on Baghair fish conservation. We will campaign in Lalbazar soon in this regard. Then we will take legal action if Baghair is brought and displayed for sale," he said.