The dried fish, or shutki, season is set to begin at Dublar Char along the Sundarbans coast in the Bay of Bengal. Ahead of the season, hundreds of fishing trawlers have gathered in the coastal rivers of Mongla in Bagerhat. Fishermen who have obtained passes and permits from the Forest Department will set out for the sea from midnight on Saturday. They are currently stationed in Mongla, loading their trawlers with essential fishing and drying equipment.
According to Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Sundarbans East Forest Division, the dried fish season will officially start on Sunday and continue until February 28, 2026. During this four-month period, fishermen will stay at Alorkol, Officekella, Narikelbariya, and Shelar Char in Dublar Island. Permission has been granted for the construction of 900 temporary houses for the fishermen and 80 shops, including grocery stores, oil depots, pharmacies, barber shops, and eateries. Additionally, 100 depots have been approved for fish trading activities.
He said that approximately 10,000 fishermen and traders are expected to gather at the island for the season. They will construct temporary housing, drying yards, jetties, and docks for unloading fish from trawlers. The DFO emphasized that cutting or using any forest trees or plants is strictly prohibited, and any violation will lead to legal action.
Meanwhile, fishermen are making preparations while adhering to these restrictions. Local trader Kalam Bepari and Latif Hawlader said, “Storms and tidal surges often disrupt our fishing and drying operations. Sometimes trawlers sink, and heavy rain spoils the fish on the shore. We have to work while battling these natural challenges.”
Fishermen’s financier Rafiqul Islam added, “As cutting forest trees is banned, we are taking all materials with us—such as bamboo for huts and drying racks, crab nets, fences, and mats—so that we don’t harm the forest.”
Another financier, Mostafa Sana, explained that it costs around Tk 2 to 2.5 million to prepare a fully equipped trawler for the Dublar Char trip. “We take loans to manage boats, nets, household materials, and workers. If the weather is favorable, we can make a profit. If not, we return home with losses,” he said. Fisherman Kalam Sheikh urged the authorities to ensure strong security and strict monitoring during the season.
DFO Md. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury noted that the Forest Department collected Tk 70 million in revenue from dried fish operations last season. He expressed optimism that this year’s revenue could exceed Tk 80 million if weather conditions remain favorable. He also mentioned that, in addition to Forest Department personnel, members of the Coast Guard will be deployed to ensure the safety of the fishermen throughout the season.
