Economy
Hilsa Glut Boosts Trade in Kuakata, Alipur, and Mohipur
The coastal fish markets of Kuakata, Alipur, and Mohipur are witnessing a surge in hilsa catch as fishing boats return from the Bay of Bengal with large hauls. Over the past two days, thousands of maunds of hilsa have been sold in these ports, bringing smiles to the faces of fishermen, boat owners, and traders.
According to local traders, 20–25 tons of hilsa are arriving daily. Although smaller-sized hilsa dominate the catch, prices vary depending on weight: larger fish (around 1 kg) are selling for 65,000–70,000 BDT per maund, while smaller ones fetch around 30,000 BDT.
On Wednesday evening, 20–25 trawlers returned to Alipur-Mohipur after fishing. Among them, FB Jamal landed more than 80 maunds of fish, estimated to be worth 2.4–2.5 million BDT. Other trawlers such as FB Tamanna and FB Mayer Doa also made profitable returns.
Despite the abundance, fishermen noted a shortage of larger hilsa and expressed concern over excessive trawling and use of fine-mesh nets, which they say affect the hilsa population. Fishermen have urged stricter control over trawling to ensure sustainability.
Apu Saha, Senior Fisheries Officer of Kalapara, confirmed the resurgence in hilsa availability and noted that rainfall could further boost the catch. Traders believe current market conditions are benefiting all stakeholders in the coastal fisheries industry.
Economy
Beximco Scandal: Charge Sheet Filed Against Salman F Rahman and 28 Others in $82 Million Money Laundering Case
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Police has submitted charge sheets against Beximco Group Chairman Salman F Rahman, along with 28 individuals and 17 companies, in connection with 17 money laundering cases. The allegations state that a huge amount of money was siphoned abroad under the guise of foreign trade.
The CID investigation found that 17 associate companies of the Beximco Group exported goods but failed to repatriate the earnings, amounting to 8 crore 27 lakh 45 thousand 308 US dollars (over Tk 1,000 crore), within the stipulated time. The money laundering allegedly took place while Salman F Rahman served as the Private Sector Industry and Investment Adviser to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the ousted Awami League government’s tenure.
The charge sheets were submitted to the court following the investigation into the 17 money laundering cases filed at the Motijheel Police Station. Motijheel Police Station’s General Register Officer (GRO) Md. Roknuzzaman confirmed the filing of the charge sheets, stating they would be presented before the court for trial.
Key Individuals Accused:
The list of 28 accused includes Salman F Rahman’s close relatives: his son Ahmed Shayan Fazlur Rahman, his brother A S F Rahman, and his nephew Ahmed Shahriar Rahman.
The CID has requested arrest warrants for all the accused individuals who are currently absconding, with the exception of Salman F Rahman who is already in prison.
One of the companies, Bextex Garments Limited, is specifically mentioned for laundering 1 crore 90 lakh 30 thousand 236 US dollars through 17 LCs between 2020 and 2024. The remaining amount was allegedly laundered through 16 other associate companies.
Mohammad Shamsuddoha Sumon, Additional Public Prosecutor of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, stated that the state will work towards the speedy disposal of these money laundering cases to ensure the repatriation of the laundered funds and the maximum punishment for “economic predators” like Salman F Rahman.
Bangladesh’s banking sector is in worse condition than that of war-torn countries, said Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, claiming that non-performing loans have reached 36 percent—three times higher than in war-affected economies.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a four-day Ceramic Expo at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on Thursday, he said the previous government left the economy in severe distress, while the current interim government is working to restore stability.
According to the adviser, business activities are beginning to recover and the country’s foreign exchange reserves have shown signs of improvement. He described the ongoing Ceramic Expo as a reflection of that recovery.
He further said the government is committed to supporting the ceramic industry to ensure its continued growth. Industry entrepreneurs noted that the expo offers an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ceramic sector on an international stage. They believe that highlighting import–export challenges will help address existing barriers and pave the way for expanding export markets while meeting domestic demand.
A 32-kg giant poa fish was caught in the net of fisherman Abdul Goni near Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning (22 November). The fish was caught around 10:30am and is now being negotiated for sale, with Goni demanding between Tk 500,000 and Tk 600,000.
Goni, a resident of Ward-5 in Saint Martin’s Union, said he was out fishing as usual when the large poa fish became trapped in his net. The catch has drawn crowds of locals eager to see the rare specimen, though it has not yet been sold.
He added that large poa fish have been appearing in his nets for several years, enabling him to become financially independent. Locals now call him “Poa Goni” for his frequent big catches.
According to Teknaf Upazila Fisheries Officer Md Delowar Hossain, the fish contains a valuable organ called “padna” or “fola,” which is dried and exported as raw material for pharmaceutical use. This makes poa fish significantly more valuable than regular fish.