Barguna, July 27 (V7N) — An 11-kilogram pangas fish was caught on a fishing hook in the Payra River in Taltali upazila of Barguna on Sunday morning, creating excitement in the local fishing community. The catch was made by local fisherman Md. Shah Alam Mia from the village of Bara Ankujhanpara in Nishanbari Union, who later sold the fish for Tk 9,000 at the local market.
 
According to local sources, Shah Alam cast his hook in the Payra River near his village early Sunday morning. At around 11 a.m., while reeling in, he discovered that a large pangas fish had taken the bait. Surprised and delighted by the rare catch, he immediately brought it to Taltali market where fish trader Md. Al-Amin purchased it for Tk 818 per Kg, totaling Tk 9,000.
 
“I regularly fish with hooks in the Payra River, but catching such a large fish is rare,” Shah Alam shared. “I feel blessed and grateful to Allah for this unexpected fortune.”
 
Trader Md. Al-Amin said, “I bargained hard and finally bought the fish for 9,000 taka. I will now cut and sell it in pieces in the local market. There is a good demand for fresh, river-caught pangas.”
 
Taltali Upazila Fisheries Officer Victor Bain commented on the catch, saying that due to government-imposed fishing bans during breeding seasons and strict regulation against illegal nets, fish stocks in rivers have been increasing. “This large pangas is a clear indication that the river’s ecosystem is recovering. Sustainable fishing practices are paying off,” he noted.
 
Such incidents reflect the positive impact of conservation efforts and highlight the livelihood significance of small-scale fishing in Bangladesh’s riverine communities. With rising environmental awareness and better regulation, both nature and local economies are showing signs of improvement.
 
END/MRR/SMA/