Chalan Beel in Sirajganj produces more fish than local demand, but illegal nets, pollution and climate stress are pushing at least 23 indigenous species towards extinction.
The Chalan Beel region in Sirajganj remains one of Bangladesh’s most important freshwater fish hubs, producing more fish than local demand and sustaining livelihoods, dried fish production and regional trade. However, behind this production surplus lies a growing ecological crisis, as illegal fishing practices, pollution, weak enforcement and climate stress push many indigenous fish species towards extinction Climate change is also intensifying these pressures. Altered rainfall patterns, prolonged dry seasons and irregular flooding are affecting river flows and wetland connectivity, reducing suitable breeding habitats for native fish species.
Experts stress that protecting freshwater biodiversity in Chalan Beel is essential not only for food security and rural livelihoods but also for preserving Bangladesh’s ecological heritage as climate change and human pressure continue to reshape the country’s river systems.
Official fisheries data shows that Sirajganj produces 75,859 tonnes of fish annually against a local demand of 73,533 tonnes, leaving a surplus of 2,326 tonnes that is sold to other districts. While overall production continues to rise, experts warn that aggregate figures conceal a sharp decline in native freshwater biodiversity.
Environmentalists estimate that around 23 indigenous fish species in the district are now threatened due to the widespread use of illegal nets, poison bait, water contamination and the degradation of rivers, wetlands and floodplains. Without urgent conservation and enforcement measures, they warn that more species could disappear in the coming years.
Bangladesh ranks fourth globally in freshwater fish production, according to the Department of Fisheries. Sirajganj has played a significant role in this achievement, supported by extensive water resources including the vast Chalan Beel wetland, 85 smaller beels and major rivers such as the Jamuna, Karatoya, Hurasagar, Ichamati, Fuljore and Baral. Yet experts caution that rising production driven by ponds and aquaculture does not compensate for the ecological loss occurring in open water bodies.
Among the fish species now at risk in the region are Gur Pui, Bacha, Baitka, Gajar, Bheda, Shankar, Tippunti, Pani Rui, Meni, Puiya, Chital, Foli, Bele, Darkina, Gharua, Bhangan Bashpata, Barali, Balachata, Gutum (Gorakun) and Khalisha, many of which were once abundant and culturally significant.
Local fisherfolk say inadequate protection of breeding grounds has allowed indiscriminate fishing in rivers, canals and wetlands. They argue that despite seasonal bans and conservation policies, illegal current nets and China-dorai nets remain widespread, particularly along riverbanks, accelerating the decline of native species.
Veteran educator and freedom fighter Professor Akhtaruzzaman, former principal of Sirajganj Government Rashidazzoha Women’s College, said the district was once renowned for its indigenous fish varieties. He said fish from Sirajganj’s rivers, canals and wetlands were even sent to Kolkata in the past, but many of those species are now rarely seen and are close to disappearing.
District Fisheries Office data indicates that fish production in Sirajganj comes primarily from 21,119 ponds, which yield 32,891 tonnes annually, while cage farming contributes another 2,649 tonnes. Open water bodies including rivers, beels and floodplains still provide more than 76,000 tonnes, but experts note that these ecosystems are under increasing stress.
Environmental specialists point to multiple drivers behind the decline of indigenous species. Agricultural runoff containing chemical fertilisers and pesticides is contaminating water bodies, while untreated industrial waste further degrades water quality. In addition, the capture of fish fry and egg-bearing fish disrupts natural reproduction cycles.
District Fisheries Officer Md Mahbubur Rahman said Sirajganj remains one of Bangladesh’s most important fish-producing regions. He said fish from local rivers, canals and wetlands meet domestic demand and are supplied across the country, but illegal nets and uncontrolled fishing are placing many indigenous species at risk.
He added that the Department of Fisheries has provided training to fishers and established 14 fish sanctuaries in rivers across the district to protect breeding grounds, with monitoring in place to prevent fishing inside these protected areas.
