Khairul Alam Back From Hatiya, Noakhali: The coastal belt of Hatiya, a remote island upazila in Noakhali, has transformed into a powerhouse of seasonal economy.
Once-deserted embankments and vast char lands have turned into bustling industrial hubs known as “Shutki Palli” (Dry Fish Villages). With fishermen, traders, and laborers working around the clock, the region sees transactions worth hundreds of crores of taka in a single season.
Economic Impact and Scale
In areas like Jongliar Khal in Jahajmara Union, rows of dry fish can be seen stretching across 4-5 kilometers. From catching and drying to packaging and storage, the entire process has evolved into an organized value chain. Local fisherman Jasim Uddin shared that a single boat can earn between 35 to 40 lakh BDT per season. In Jonglia Ghat alone, sales exceed 50 crore BDT annually.
Employment and Production
Nearly 200,000 people in Hatiya are directly involved in the fisheries sector. While the uncertainty of Hilsa catches often impacts income, the abundance of Chewa fish during the dry season has become a lifeline. Major production hubs include:
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Jonglia Ghat
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Nijhum Dwip
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Burirdona
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Kazir Bazar
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Bandartila
Supply Chain and Utility
The primary wholesale market for Hatiya’s dry fish is Mymensingh, with significant supplies also reaching Chattogram, Barishal, and Cumilla. Interestingly, a large portion of this produce is used to manufacture fish and poultry feed, contributing significantly to the country’s livestock and agriculture sectors.
Challenges and Potential
Despite the high revenue, operational costs remain steep. A boat’s daily running cost ranges from 20,000 to 22,000 BDT. Key challenges include the lack of modern preservation technology, poor communication infrastructure, and vulnerability to natural disasters.
Hatiya Upazila Fisheries Officer Harun Or Rashid stated, “There is a potential to produce 40,000 tons of dry fish this year. With modern drying methods and better transport facilities, this sector could become a major source of foreign exchange.”
📊 Key Highlights (Quick View)
| Feature | Details |
| Total Trade Value | 100+ Crore BDT |
| Major Hub | Jonglia Ghat (50 Crore BDT+) |
| People Involved | Approx. 2 Lakh |
| Target Production | 40,000 Tons |
| Primary Markets | Mymensingh, Chattogram, Barishal |