Shrimp Leads the Export Surge

Of the total export earnings in FY 2024-25, Tk 2,499 crore (USD 206.5 million) came from 19,512.79 tonnes of shrimp exports alone, up from 15,450.97 tonnes in FY 2023-24, which earned Tk 1,744 crore (USD 144.1 million).

Meanwhile, export earnings from other fish varieties rose from Tk 402 crore (USD 33.2 million) for 9,745.78 tonnes in FY 2023-24 to Tk 610 crore (USD 50.4 million) for 15,363.58 tonnes in FY 2024-25.

Species-wise Earnings Breakdown

The detailed breakdown for FY 2024-25 includes:

• Galda / Freshwater Giant Prawn: Tk 734.50 crore (USD 60.7 million) from 4,282.14 tonnes
• Bagda / Black Tiger shrimp: Tk 1,691.69 crore (USD 139.8 million) from 13,963.11 tonnes
• Soft shell Crab: Tk 173.27 crore (USD 14.3 million) from 1,166.89 tonnes

By comparison, in FY 2023-24:

• Galda shrimp exports brought in Tk 420.43 crore (USD 34.7 million) from 2,883.30 tonnes
• Bagda shrimp earned Tk 1,311.21 crore (USD 108.4 million) from 11,336.54 tonnes
• Soft shell Crab exports were Tk 97.87 crore (USD 8.1 million) from 644.77 tonnes

Challenges Holding Back Production

Despite the growth, the sector has faced several persistent hurdles — a decline in brackish water sources, virus outbreaks, lack of SPF (disease-free) shrimp fries, and farmers’ reluctance to adopt modern techniques. According to industry estimates, these challenges have caused production shortfalls that deprived the country of USD 25–41 million (Tk 300–500 crore) in potential export earnings.

Adding to the pressure, rising feed prices have increased input costs for farmers, further impacting profitability.

Government Support Fuels Renewed Hope

The government has been taking proactive steps, including promoting cluster farming methods, vannamei shrimp cultivation, environment-friendly aquaculture, and massive farmer training and incentives.

Farmer testimonies reflect growing optimism. Harun-ur-Rashid from Koyra Upazila credits the adequate rainfall and government virus prevention efforts for improved yields. Sheikh Mahtab Uddin from Dumuria noted that training programs, quality feed, and natural water bodies have helped increase fish production.

Previously, political interference and land grabbing disrupted shrimp farming activities in many areas. However, with improved governance and proper government action, farmers are returning to the business.

A Sector at a Crossroads

Inspector Lipton Sarder from the Khulna FIQC office noted that while shrimp production has been declining nationwide over the past five years, recent government steps have started reversing the trend. He emphasized the importance of cluster method aquaculture and the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices.

Industry leader Sheikh Abdul Baki of Oriental Fish Processing Industries highlighted that quality inputs, natural water resources, and cluster farming are key to future success.

According to Md Zahangir Alam, Deputy Director of the Khulna Fisheries Department, the production and export of all categories — white fish (freshwater fishes), Galda, Bagda, and crabs — have increased notably in FY2024-25.

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Mohammad Shahjahan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Riverain Fish and Food Processing Industries Ltd, has been elected as the new BFFEA president. A seasoned figure in the Bangladesh seafood industry, he is expected to lead initiatives to enhance export capacity and tackle sectoral challenges.

Joining him are Md Tariqul Islam Zaheer, Managing Director of Achia Sea Foods Ltd, as Senior Vice-President, and two regional vice-presidents: Sk Kamrul Alam of Rupali Sea Foods Ltd (Khulna region) and Dodul Kumar Datta of Pacific Sea Foods Ltd (Chattogram region)—representing Bangladesh’s two key seafood processing zones.

The BFFEA new committee for 2025 also includes number of directors:

• Md Masudur Rahman (Sea Fresh Ltd)
• MA Hassan Panna (Fahim Seafood Processing & Farming Ltd)
• Md Jalal Uddin (Crimson Rosella Seafood Ltd)
• Adhir Ranjan Das (Anraj Fish Products Industries Ltd)
• Mohammad Abu Shahriar (BD Seafood Ltd)
• Syed Badruzzaman (Salam Sea Foods Ltd)
• SM Akhtaruzzaman (Glacies Food Ltd)
• AKM Fazlul Haque (Trust Seafood Industries Ltd)
• Md Sofiulla Khan (Rupsha Fish & Allied Industries Ltd)
• Md Shohel S Hussain (Aqua Fisheries Ltd)
• Arman Hasan (Ark Sea Foods Ltd)

With only 25% of shrimp processing plants currently active in Khulna and Chattogram, due to raw material shortages and financial constraints, the seafood export sector in Bangladesh is at a turning point. The new BFFEA leadership is expected to promote innovation, ensure sustainable sourcing, and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global frozen seafood trade.

The BFFEA, which includes over 200 member companies, plays a pivotal role in advocating for exporters, improving market access, and shaping regulatory frameworks for the Bangladesh shrimp exporters community.

With this transition, stakeholders hope the new BFFEA committee 2025 will help unlock opportunities, expand Bangladesh’s export markets, and revitalize the country’s role as a leading player in the international seafood industry.

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The Beginning of an Entrepreneurial Journey

Ripon’s journey began in the 1990s, while he was a student at Govt. B. L. College. Unlike many of his peers, who aspired to traditional careers, Ripon had a different vision. He wanted to be an employer, not an employee.

What started as a small shrimp farm in a personal space soon turned into a flourishing business. Seeing positive returns, he decided to expand commercially in 2001. By 2007, his shrimp farming area had grown to 150 bighas, and today, he manages an impressive 1,800 bighas ( approx. 240 hectare) across six farms, employing around 500 workers.

“I never wanted a job. I always believed in creating opportunities rather than seeking them,” Ripon shared, reflecting on his early aspirations.

Overcoming Challenges to Build an Empire

Success did not come easy. Like many shrimp farmers in Bangladesh, Ripon faced numerous hurdles, from disease outbreaks to political resistance and environmental challenges.

“Shrimp farming was never easy,” he admitted. “There were constant challenges—diseases, extreme weather, and even opposition from influential individuals. But I knew that perseverance and innovation were the keys to overcoming them.”

During one of the toughest phases, Ripon found himself battling resistance from political figures over water extraction rights from the river. Despite these setbacks, he pushed forward, committed to his vision of revolution in shrimp farming.

Innovation and Expansion in Shrimp Farming

Ripon attributes much of his success to advanced techniques in shrimp farming, which he adopted with support from the Department of Fisheries. These techniques not only increased productivity but also set a benchmark for other farmers in the region.

His influence is evident. Neighboring shrimp farmers, such as Alauddin Sohag, acknowledge Ripon’s role as a trailblazer. “Farmers in the coastal belt now follow the path Ripon has set,” Sohag noted.

Beyond his own farming operations, Ripon supplies high-quality shrimp fries from Cox’s Bazar to other farmers, further strengthening the industry.

Today, his businesses, Royal Fish Trading and Royal Fish Culture, generate an annual revenue of Tk 10-12 crore (approx. a million in USD). And he has no plans of stopping. With an eye on further expansion, Ripon aims to make Bangladesh’s shrimp industry more competitive in the global market.

Recognition and Industry Leadership

Ripon’s dedication and contributions have earned him numerous awards at both upazila and district levels. He currently serves as:

• President of Khulna Divisional Hatchery Traders Association
• General Secretary of Paikgacha Upazila Shrimp Farmers Association

His work has also drawn appreciation from government officials and experts.

Khulna District Fisheries Officer Dr. Farhana Taslima remarked, “For years, shrimp farmers suffered losses due to traditional farming methods, disease outbreaks, and climate change. Ripon’s cluster farming approach has provided a sustainable model that is now helping local farmers thrive.”

The Future of Bangladesh’s Shrimp Industry

Ripon’s story is not just about personal success—it’s a testament to the potential of Bangladesh’s shrimp industry. With over 5,000 shrimp farms covering 20,000 hectares in Paikgacha alone, the sector holds immense opportunities.

Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer Saikat Mallik highlighted Ripon’s contribution, stating, “His leadership in the industry has inspired a new wave of entrepreneurs, proving that with modern techniques and the right mindset, shrimp farming can be a highly profitable venture.”

As Bangladesh’s shrimp sector continues to grow, it needs visionary leaders like Ripon who are willing to embrace innovation and overcome challenges. His journey—from a college student with a dream to a pioneer in sustainable shrimp farming—is an inspiration for the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.

What’s next for Golam Kibria Ripon? He is already working on expanding production and exploring new export opportunities. If his past success is any indication, the future of Bangladesh’s shrimp industry looks brighter than ever with adopting modern methods and innovation.

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This dangerous method of fishing, where toxic chemicals are deliberately dumped into rivers and canals to kill fish en masse, is wreaking havoc on aquatic biodiversity, endangering wildlife, and posing serious risks to human health. The alarming rise of this practice has been attributed to a powerful syndicate of corrupt traders, dishonest forest officials, and criminal networks that profit at the expense of one of Bangladesh’s most valuable ecological treasures.

The rise of poison fishing in Sundarbans: A Well-Orchestrated Operation

Investigations reveal that at least three major groups are responsible for fueling the illegal practice of poison fishing in the Sundarbans:

1. Fish Traders and “Company Mahajans” – These influential traders finance local fishermen and pressure them to use poison to ensure a higher catch within a short time. By controlling the fish supply, they reap massive profits.
2. Corrupt Forest Officials – Dishonest officers, tasked with protecting the Sundarbans, accept bribes in exchange for turning a blind eye to the poison fishing. Some even actively assist in the transport and sale of poisoned fish.
3. Forest Pirates and Middlemen – Once inactive, many former forest pirates have returned, this time working as enforcers for the traders. They offer protection to those engaged in illegal fishing while threatening or looting others who refuse to comply.

How the poison fishing Work in Sundarbans

Fishermen use two types of toxic chemicals, depending on their target catch:

• Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin – These chemicals are commonly used in agriculture but have been repurposed to kill both white fish and shrimp when mixed into the water.
• Cypermethrin Alone – This is used exclusively to kill shrimp.

Once the chemicals are released into the water, they deplete oxygen levels, causing fish to become weak and float to the surface, making them easy to collect. This method is quick, cost-effective, and highly destructive—not just for fish, but for the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Severe Impact on the Sundarbans Ecosystem

The consequences of poison fishing extend far beyond fish populations. Experts warn that these chemicals are absorbed into the mangrove roots, affecting the entire food chain.

• Declining Fish Stocks – Traditional fishermen report a steep decline in fish populations over the past five years, forcing many to abandon their livelihood.
• Loss of Aquatic Biodiversity – Poisoned rivers have led to the disappearance of snakes, frogs, leeches, and crabs, all crucial components of the Sundarbans’ ecosystem.
• Impact on Wildlife – Birds feeding on poisoned fish suffer slow and painful deaths, contributing to declining populations of species already threatened by habitat destruction.

According to Govinda Mandal, a fisherman from Koyra’s Bedkashi area, poison fishing was non-existent just a decade ago. “There were plenty of fish back then. But over the last five to six years, poisons have flooded the forest waters, and now even the birds are disappearing,” he laments.

A Threat to Human Health

Even though locals avoid eating fish from the Sundarbans, these poisoned fish end up in markets across the country, transported by trucks to Dhaka and other major cities. Consumers are unknowingly exposed to dangerous toxins linked to cancer, liver disease, and neurological disorders.

A researcher, Md Shah Paran, working on a project assessing the aquatic resources of the Sundarbans, confirmed that most fish in local markets smell of poison, particularly shrimp. Despite this, traders continue selling them, prioritizing profits over public safety.

The Role of Corrupt Authorities

Local pesticide shops near the Sundarbans, particularly in Koyra, openly sell chemicals like Diamgro, Fighter, Ripcord, and Pesicol. Strangely, many of their buyers don’t even own farmland—they are fishermen purchasing poison under the guise of agriculture.

Authorities have long been aware of these illegal activities but have done little to stop them. Mihir Kumar Doe, Forest Conservator of the Khulna region, confirmed that bottles of poison have been confiscated multiple times, yet the problem persists.

Fishermen who refuse to participate in the poison trade report being threatened by both criminal groups and corrupt officials.

A former fisherman, who served jail time for poison fishing, revealed their method:

1. Fishermen set small nets across canal openings during high tide.
2. When the tide recedes, they pour pesticides into the water.
3. Fish float to the surface within minutes.
4. The poisoned fish are collected and transported to buyers.

Since freshly poisoned shrimp cannot be immediately sold, traders have devised another method: drying them inside the Sundarbans itself.

• They cut down trees deep in the forest to construct makeshift drying platforms.
• Shrimp are dried using wood-fueled fires before being smuggled to Mongla for distribution.

The Political and Social Consequences

The rampant corruption and illegal exploitation of the Sundarbans have also given rise to a power struggle among criminal groups. Reports indicate that powerful middlemen, including Zahir Member, Rezaul Karim, and Lutfor Rahman, control more than 200 boats, operating under the protection of corrupt forest officials.

Forest guards allegedly demand bribes ranging from Tk 1,000 ($10) per week to Tk 5,000 ($50) per boat, allowing illegal fishing to continue unchecked.

One such trader, Abu Musa, openly admitted his involvement in illegal fishing but suggested “dividing the sanctuary among traders” to reduce competition.

Can the Sundarbans Be Saved?

Despite these overwhelming challenges, conservationists believe that decisive action can still reverse the damage. Gaurang Nandi, Chairman of the Center for Environment and Participatory Research (CEPR), emphasized the urgent need for:

1. Stronger Law Enforcement – Crackdowns on corrupt officials and poison traders.
2. Sustainable Fishing Alternatives – Promoting eco-friendly aquaculture methods.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating consumers about the dangers of poisoned fish.
4. Stricter Regulations – Enforcing harsher penalties for offenders.
   

Final Thoughts: A Ticking Time Bomb

Conservationists stress the need for immediate intervention to halt poison fishing. They advocate for stricter enforcement, improved monitoring, and sustainable fishing alternatives.

The Sundarbans serves as Bangladesh’s shield against natural disasters and is a crucial carbon sink. If its waters continue to be poisoned, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for the environment but also for the millions who depend on it for their livelihoods. Urgent action is required to protect the future of this invaluable mangrove forest.

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Fishermen, who should be reaping the benefits of the season, are returning with disappointingly small catches. As a result, prices have surged, and even Khulna’s largest hilsa traders at the well-known 4 Number Ghat have reported a significant decline in stock.

Abu Sayed, a fourth-generation hilsa trader, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that this season has been unlike any other. He shared that only 3-4 maunds (40 kg makes maund) of fish are arriving daily, compared to the typical 200-300 maunds.

The Khulna Fisheries Department has attributed the scarcity to reduced river depths and insufficient rainfall, which have prevented the fish from entering the rivers in their usual numbers.

In local markets, the scarcity is evident in the pricing. Hilsa weighing 500-600 grams is currently being sold for Tk 1,000 to Tk 1,200 per kilogram, while larger fish, weighing up to 1.3 Kg, are fetching up to Tk 2,200 per kg. Retailers express concern that at these prices, selling fish has become unprofitable.

Consumers, like Manoj who visited Nirala Market, are frustrated by the situation. He expressed his disappointment, saying, “This year, I haven’t been able to buy hilsa for my children. The prices are just too high.”

As the shortage continues, both consumers and traders in Khulna are anxiously waiting for an improvement in the situation, hoping for better catches in the near future.

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Local residents reported that around 1 PM on Thursday, the WAPDA embankment at the southern end of the 22nd Polder in Kalinagar, Diluhti union, ruptured due to the intense high tide. The breach, spanning over 300 feet, has submerged the villages of Kalinagar, Horinkhola, and Darunmallik. Newly planted paddy fields, seedbeds, and homes have all been flooded.

Despite relentless efforts by locals to repair the embankment throughout the night, strong currents have made restoration efforts nearly impossible. The Shibsa River’s powerful currents have also led to the collapse of the Panikhali embankment in Dakop, resulting in widespread flooding across several villages and fish enclosures.

Additionally, continuous heavy rainfall has caused severe waterlogging in Khulna city. Major roads in areas like Tutpara, Boyra, Nirala, Maulavipara, and Baytipara have been submerged, rendering them impassable.

The Khulna district administration has announced that the Water Development Board has initiated repair work on the damaged embankments to prevent further flooding and damage.

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The earliest upazilas in Bangladesh to practice shrimp farming largely, were Satkhira Sadar, Debihata, Kaliganj, and Shymnagar in the Khulna Region. Later, shrimp farming dispersed over Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Barguna, Patuakhali, and Jashore.

In Bangladesh however, most of the shrimp supply comes from Khulna and Chittagong regions. Although, culture pattern sometimes varies due to environmental factors in these regions.

In the Khulna-Satkhira area, shrimp farming is often done in rotation with agriculture, reflecting the monsoon’s effect on ambient seasonal salinity.

The brackishwater shrimp and fish are usually cultured during January-July, known as the high salinity season.

While, in the low salinity season (August-December) farmers either culture some freshwater shrimp or cultivate agricultural crops.

However, farmers in the Dumuria Upazila are now hesitant to produce crops such as Boro paddy since they get greater profits from Galda cultivation.

The effort, however, began a long time ago, when these farmers received training from the Department of Fisheries as part of the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries project. Following that, the farmers began farming shrimp in a cluster system.

Cluster-based shrimp farming is a unique approach in which farmers from a given region collaborate in a regulated and organized manner to achieve certain aims and objectives.

Cluster shrimp farming is creating new opportunities for boosting safe shrimp production, strengthening the coastal agro-economy, alleviating poverty, and meeting the SDGs in Bangladesh.

According to one of the successful shrimp farmers, “Shrimp fry are readily accessible, and shrimp farms may be established with minimal expenditure.  Shrimp can be cultivated all year. And for that, we are all interested in it.”

Using a cluster structure and contemporary technology, shrimp output in the Khulna area has been increased from 300 kg per hectare (ha) to 1,000 kg.

However, it’s not only the system that benefited the farmers. The fair pricing is also a crucial factor here.

There’s a notion that shrimp from Bangladesh costs more than shrimp from other competitors. There are several reasons for this, but one, in particular, is that white leg shrimp (L. vannamei) dominates the world shrimp market, whereas Bagda (black tigers) dominates Bangladesh’s shrimp industry.

However, a well-developed domestic market might help to partially overcome this issue. If given greater guidance, funding, and technical expertise, shrimp farmers in other parts of the country may achieve the same level of success as those in Dumuria, Khulna.

Jaber Bin Abdul Bari
Department of Oceanography, NSTU

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Data from the Department of Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control reveals a concerning trend. In the fiscal year 2021-22, 24,104 MT of frozen shrimp were exported. However, in 2022-23, this figure dropped by 4,000 MT to 19,904 tons. The first six months of the current financial year saw 9,971 MT of shrimp exported, marking a 3,000 MT decrease compared to the corresponding period last year.

The initial target for shrimp export earnings in the first quarter of the current financial year was US $158.7 million, but the income fell by US $54.6 million, reaching US $102.13 million. The high price of shrimp in Bangladesh has hampered its competitiveness in the global market, and the recent decision by the government to reduce the one percent incentive has further impacted exporters.

Sujan Ahmed, General Secretary of the Seafood Export Buying Agent Association of Bangladesh, highlighted internal issues contributing to Bangladesh’s struggle in the shrimp export market. He mentioned instances where Bangladeshi shrimp, due to various reasons such as short weight, were rejected by several countries, leading to a loss of interest among buyers. The decision to cut incentives, Ahmed warns, could exacerbate the existing deficit in the export sector.

Kazi Belayet Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association, shared similar concerns, predicting that the reduction in the one percent incentive for shrimp exports could intensify production deficits, resulting in a further decline in exports.

While the Directorate of Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control in Khulna has suggested focusing on the export of value-added products to boost exports, there is no clear stance on the reduction of incentives. Monirul Islam, Deputy Director of the Fisheries Inspection and Quality Control Department, hinted at exploring the possibility of importing shrimp, repackaging it, and re-exporting it as a potential strategy.

As Bangladesh grapples with the challenges facing its shrimp export industry, stakeholders are urging a reconsideration of the decision to reduce incentives, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance competitiveness and revive the country’s position in the global market.

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Md Moniruzzaman, coordinator of the Smart Fisheries E-Traceability Pilot Project, presented the innovative program during the meeting. Notable figures in attendance included district fisheries officer Joydev Pal, FOAB president Mullah Shamsur Rahman Shaheen, Khulna Quality Control Office Inspector Md Mizanur Rahman, and other key industry players.

The stakeholders unanimously agreed on the crucial role e-traceability plays in expanding the smart fisheries sector. Recognizing its significance in maintaining the reputation of the shrimp industry on a global scale, they stressed the need to identify intermediary stakeholders in the supply chain and ensure compliance with actual licenses.

One key proposal discussed was the integration of farmers and fish collectors into a digital smart card system. This approach would not only facilitate the identification of safe products from farmers but also pave the way for sustainable employment opportunities, particularly benefiting youth and women involved in fish marketing. The ultimate goal is to bolster the industry’s growth, securing a steady supply of high-quality fish products and contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

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The first two companies are based in Khulna and active members of the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA). SM Corporation’s whereabouts are unknown.

What these shrimp exporters did was, they created made-up documents that claimed they were exporting shrimp but didn’t actually export any shrimp. They then provide these documents to Rupali Bank and got about US $15 million. They also took around US $4 million from the government as export subsidy for their fabricated exports. So, in total, they got about US $19 million through these fake documents. This is just what known so far; there could be more money involved.

This happened at Sir Iqbal road or Sham’s building branch of Rupali Bank in Khulna. The Bangladesh Bank, which oversees banks in Bangladesh, and Rupali Bank’s own internal team are now investigating this to find out what exactly happened and who it. Both initial reports from these teams confirm that a fraud occurred.

Two employees of Rupali Bank, the former manager, and deputy general manager (DGM) Zakir Ibn Borak, and senior principal officer Murad Hossain, have already been suspended because of this.

Bilkish Ara, the current manager of Rupali Bank’s Sir Iqbal road branch Khulna, said that the head office’s audit team is looking into this matter. She didn’t want to talk to the news media and suggested talking to the head office for more information.

When asked about this recently, the Managing Director of Rupali Bank, Mohammad Jahangir, said, “These companies have been our customers for a long time, and they’ve even received government awards. We are trying to get back the money they took and some amount has been recovered.”

The bank had been lenient with them because of the ongoing dollar shortage in recent years. Shrimp exporters in Bangladesh don’t need to buy raw materials from abroad, so all the money they earn from exporting shrimp helps increase the country’s supply of dollars.

In many cases, these shrimp exporting companies sell their export bills to their banks to get quick cash since it takes time for the money to appear in their accounts. Banks charge fees and commissions for this service. The banks did this to support the companies, thinking it would boost the country’s export income and bring in more dollars. However, these companies misused this opportunity.

Priam Fish Export Ltd‘s factory is in Char Rupsa, Bagmara, Khulna, and it’s managing director is Abdul Quader. Bionic Sea Food’s office is on KDA Avenue in Khulna, and its managing director is Siddiqur Rahman.

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