Once, the rivers and canals around us were full of fish, and almost every household had its own store of rice. This is why Bengalis became known as “Mache Bhate Bangali”a people who lived on fish and rice. This phrase is not only a symbol of our tradition but also shows the nutritional value of our food.
But today, how logical is it to call ourselves “Mache Bhate Bangali”?
Because of rising prices, both fish and rice have become very expensive. What used to be the most common and affordable food for us has now become difficult even for lower- and middle-income families to buy. The “fish” in this proverb mainly referred to our local indigenous fish that were easily found in nearby rivers and water bodies. But now, do we get those native fish the way we used to?
Why not?
Fish are closely connected to our history and culture. Indigenous fish represent our food heritage. Sadly, the number of native fish in Bangladesh is decreasing day by day. Isn’t this a threat to our future?
Indigenous fish usually include many small and medium species such as sarpunti, chanda, tengra, pabda, shing-magur, chapila, mola, dhela, kachki, air, boal, gulsha, shol, taki and many others. But today’s young generation has often only heard these names in books—they have never seen them in real life.
According to government data, Bangladesh has around 260–300 species of freshwater indigenous fish. Among them, 64 species are endangered, and more than 100 species are almost on the verge of extinction.
Fish have not disappeared from rivers for no reason—there are serious causes behind it.Major Causes of the Decline of Indigenous Fish
Destruction of fish habitats: Many dishonest people are occupying rivers, wetlands, and natural water bodies. Unplanned development and road construction also reduce fish habitats. When homes of fish are destroyed, their species become endangered.
River pollution: Farmlands and factories are usually located near rivers. Fertilizers and pesticides from farmlands wash into rivers with rainwater. Factories also dump waste directly into rivers and canals. This causes poisoning in fish, food shortage, and disruption of breeding.
Climate change: Human activities are causing global climate change. Temperatures are rising, rivers are drying, and rainfall patterns are changing. Many fish species cannot survive in these changing conditions. In this way, people are indirectly responsible for their extinction.
Obstruction of water flow and loss of navigability : Upstream dams, poorly built culverts, and excessive silt have reduced river depth and blocked natural water flow. This creates serious problems for fish survival and breeding.
Indiscriminate fishing: Some people catch mother fish during breeding season. As a result, fewer young fish are produced later. Illegal nets, especially current nets, catch baby fish before they grow, reducing their population.
Invasive or harmful foreign fish: Some businessmen release fast-breeding foreign fish into local water bodies. These fish eat the fry of native species and destroy them. For example, the invasive “sucker fish” now found in the Buriganga River is threatening local fish, and many native species have already disappeared from there.
Some effective steps should be taken quickly to address this dire situation for indigenous fish, otherwise all fish may become extinct one day.
Increase breeding efforts: The Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute is working to breed endangered fish and preserve their genetic resources. Fry produced from these programs can be released into rivers to increase populations.
Stronger legal measures: Bangladesh has good laws, but they are not enforced properly. Fishing bans during breeding seasons and protection of breeding areas must be strictly implemented. Illegal nets must be removed through strict monitoring.
Protect rivers to protect fish: Rivers are the natural home of fish. Without a home, no species can survive. To protect fish, river pollution must be reduced. Industries should use eco-friendly waste management. Rivers and canals should be dredged to restore depth and ensure normal water flow. Farmers should be encouraged to use organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods.
Public awareness: Social media and public awareness can play a big role. People must be informed about the dangers faced by fish species. Communities should be motivated not to catch fish during breeding times.
Why Indigenous Fish Are Important
Fish are not only important for our nutrition but also for our economy.
If one species becomes extinct, the entire ecosystem loses balance and other species are also threatened.
The fisheries sector contributes about 3.5% to the national GDP and over 25% of agricultural GDP.More than 12.5 million people in Bangladesh are directly or indirectly involved in fisheries.
So, fish do not only meet our nutritional needs, they also play a major role in our economy.For this reason, protecting indigenous fish is extremely important and urgent.These indigenous fish are deeply connected to our economy, culture, and ethnicity, so it is imperative to save them.
