A FIELD TRIP REPORT

ON
RIAZUDDIN BAZAR (FISH MARKET), CHATTOGRAM

FIELD TRIP 2025

For Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement of 4th Year B.Sc. in Fisheries (Hons.) Exam 2022

Submitted by:
Forrukh Ahamed
ID No: 19903009
Department of Fisheries
University of Chittagong

Submission Date: 11th May, 2025

Acknowledgment

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful
completion of this field report on Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market).

First and foremost, I extend my deepest appreciation to Professor Dr. Md. Ashraful Azam Khan,
Chairman of the Department of Fisheries, University of Chittagong, for his continuous
encouragement, academic guidance, and inspirational leadership throughout our academic
journey. I am also sincerely grateful to Professor Dr. Md. Rashed-Un-Nabi and Associate
Professor Mohammed Shahidul Alam for their insightful advice, kind supervision, and valuable
suggestions that guided me during the preparation of this report.

My thanks are also due to the Department of Fisheries, University of Chittagong, for organizing
this field trip as part of our academic curriculum, which allowed us to gain real-world exposure to
the practical aspects of fish marketing and trade.

Special appreciation goes to the fish traders, wholesalers, and sellers at Riazuddin Bazar Fish
Market, who generously shared their time, experience, and knowledge, making the data collection
process smooth and informative. Their cooperation played a pivotal role in enriching the quality
of this report.

Finally, I extend my gratitude to my fellow classmates and group members whose collaboration,
teamwork, and enthusiasm made this field visit a productive and engaging experience. Without
their active support and participation, this report would not have been possible.
Introduction

Field visits are essential components of academic learning in fisheries education, providing
students with practical exposure to real-life systems and market dynamics. As Bangladesh is one
of the world’s leading fish-producing nations, understanding the fish marketing structure is critical
for students pursuing a career in fisheries science and management.

Fish markets serve as vital nodes in the fisheries value chain, acting as the primary interface
between producers (fishers and farmers) and consumers. They influence the pricing, distribution,
and accessibility of fish, which is a staple source of protein in Bangladeshi diets. Efficient fish
markets ensure that fish move smoothly from catch or farm to plate, minimizing post-harvest losses
while maximizing economic returns for stakeholders involved.

The Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market), situated in the heart of Chattogram City, plays a significant
role in the local fish economy. It is a dynamic retail and semi-wholesale market that caters to a
large number of urban consumers and restaurant owners. The market functions as a key outlet for
a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish species sourced from different parts of Bangladesh,
including Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Barisal, and nearby rivers and aquaculture farms.

This field visit was conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational
framework of the Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market), including the types of fish sellers, species
composition, pricing structure, and marketing channel. By interacting with fish vendors and
observing the market firsthand, the visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge
and on-the-ground realities of fish trade.

Objectives
The objectives are as follows:

▪ To identify the number and types of fish sellers in the Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market).
▪ To document the species composition and availability of fish in the market.
▪ To record species-wise fish prices per kilogram.
▪ To understand the fish marketing channel from source to consumer.

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 ▪ To evaluate challenges in the current fish marketing system.

Description of Study Area

Riazuddin Bazar is situated in the heart of Chattogram city, specifically at coordinates 22° 20'
12.66" N, 91° 49' 44.04" E. This central location makes it easily accessible to both local consumers
and traders from surrounding areas. Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market) primarily functions as a retail
fish market. However, it also accommodates some wholesale activities, serving as a hub for both
small-scale retailers and bulk buyers.

Figure 1: Location of Riazuddin Bazar Fish Market in Chattagram.

The market operates daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It is characterized by a bustling atmosphere,
with numerous vendors offering a wide variety of fish. The market's layout includes designated
areas for different types of fish, and it is equipped with basic facilities to support the daily
operations.

The fish sold at Riazuddin Bazar are sourced from various locations:

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 ▪ Marine Sources: Fish are brought in from coastal areas, including the Fishery Ghat, which
is one of the largest fish landing centers in Bangladesh.
▪ Freshwater Sources: Fish are also sourced from local rivers, ponds, and farms. Species
such as Rui, Katla, Boal, Magur, and Tilapia are commonly available.
▪ Intermediaries: The fish typically pass through various intermediaries, including
fishermen, aratdars (commission agents), wholesalers, and retailers, before reaching the
market.

Methodology
Survey Method: Questionnaire-Based Interviews

The survey for this study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to gather data from fish
vendors, wholesalers, and customers at the Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market). Interviews were
conducted directly with respondents to obtain detailed insights into their practices, preferences,
and market operations.

Time of Survey

The survey was conducted on 5th June,2025, during the peak hours of the market (6:00 AM to
12:00 PM). This timeframe allowed for maximum interaction with a diverse range of respondents,
providing a representative sample of the market’s operations.

Tools Used

▪ Questionnaire: A structured questionnaire was designed to capture both qualitative and

quantitative data. It included questions related to the types of fish traded, pricing, sources
of fish, and operational practices.
▪ Photography: Photographs were taken to visually document the market environment, the
variety of fish available, and the setup of the market. These images helped supplement the
data collected from interviews.
▪ Observation: In addition to the interviews, field observations were made to record the
general activities and flow of goods within the market. This provided contextual
understanding of the verbal responses received from participants.

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This methodology ensured that both quantitative data (e.g., number of fish traded, prices) and
qualitative data (e.g., vendor practices, customer preferences) were collected, providing a
comprehensive view of the market dynamics.

Findings and Observations

Number of fish sellers

There were approximately 64 fish sellers in the market. We took interviews from some fish sellers
to know more about their roles in the market. They cooperated pretty well to us. At Reazuddin
Fish Market, interviews were conducted with a total of 15 fish sellers to gather insights into their
daily operations, challenges, and market dynamics. These sellers include both permanent and
temporary vendors, with a significant number operating on a daily basis. Some have one or two
partners as helping hands. These sellers represented a diverse range of stalls, varying in size and
customer flow. The interviews aimed to understand the sources of their fish supply, pricing
strategies, peak business hours and their perspective on market competition and customer
behavior. The sellers provided valuable firsthand information that reflects the current state of the
fish trade in this market, highlighting both opportunities for growth and pressing issues such as
infrastructure limitations and pricing volatility.

Types of fish sellers

The sellers were categorized into different types based on the nature and scale of their operations.
Among the 64 sellers, 28 were permanent stallholders, who operated from fixed, designated spaces
within the market structure. These sellers typically dealt in higher volumes and a greater variety
of species. 20 sellers were mobile or temporary vendors, who sold fish from baskets or makeshift
stands, often along the market periphery or footpaths. 10 were wholesalers, dealing in bulk
transactions, mainly supplying fish to smaller vendors and restaurants. Additionally, 6 sellers were
identified as retail specialists, focusing on high-value species or niche products such as live fish
or prawns. This mix of seller types highlights the diverse structure of fish trade at the market, from
large-scale distribution to direct consumer sales.

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Figure 2: Types of fish sellers.

According to the fish sellers, they are mostly the retailers but in case of some occasions they sell
in big quantity to the buyers, for example, marriage ceremony. The price is different for retails and
wholesales. In some shops, Bkash payment is available if one can’t pay in cash.

Marketing Channel

The marketing channel describes the path fish follow from producers to final consumers. In
Riazuddin Bazar, it typically involves several intermediaries:

1. Producer Level

• Fishermen (marine & riverine)

• Fish farmers (ponds, enclosures)

2. Primary Intermediaries

• Fariahs (small local traders who collect fish from producers)

• Beparis (larger traders who bulk-purchase fish from fariahs)

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3. Secondary Intermediaries

• Aratdars (Commission Agents)

o Operate from landing centers or wholesale points (e.g., Fishery Ghat).
o Connect sellers (fishermen/beparis) with buyers (wholesalers/retailers).
o Take a fixed commission (often 3-5%).

4. Wholesalers

• Purchase fish in bulk from aratdars or beparis.

• Supply to markets like Riazuddin Bazar or distribute to distant retail markets.

5. Retailers

• Purchase from wholesalers or aratdars.

• Sell directly to consumers at market stalls in Riazuddin Bazar.

6. Consumers

• Final buyers, including local households, restaurants, and caterers.

Figure 3: Marketing channel of Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market)

Summary of Key Channels

Channel 1 (Simplest):
Fish Farmer → Retailer → Consumer

Channel 2 (Common):
Fisherman → Fariah → Aratdar → Retailer → Consumer

Channel 3 (Wholesale):
Fisherman → Bepari → Aratdar → Wholesaler → Retailer → Consumer

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Species-wise fish prices per kilogram

Table 1: Species-wise fish prices per kilogram

Local Name Scientific Name Average Price (BDT/kg)

Rupban Poa Nemipterus japonicus 320

Lal Koral/ Ranga Choi Lutjanus bohar 680
Koi Anabas cobojius 250
Loittya Harpadon nehereus 180
Tailla Eleutheronema tetradactylum 620
Lakkha Leptomelanosoma indicum 1400
Koral Lates calcarifer 700
Taposhi Polynemus paradiseus 700

Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus 220

Moilla Escualosa thoracata 200
Ilish Tenualosa ilisha 600 (small)
Tular Dandi Sillaginopsis panijus 550- 700 (depending on size)
Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis 200
Katal Catla catla 330
Rui Labeo rohita 250-350 (depending on size)
Mrigel Cirrhinus cirrhosus 280

Bata Labeo bata 380- 480 (depending on size)

Mola Amblypharyngodon mola 500

Karfu Cyprinus carpio 300

Loilla iccha Acetes japonicus 740

Bagda Chingri Penaeus monodon 850- 1100 (depending on size)
Golda Chingri Macrobrachium rosenbergii 1000-1250 (depending on size)

Chiring Pseudapocryptes elongatus 550

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 Khorol Bata Mugil cephalus 200
Kalo Chanda Parastromateus niger 380
Bailla Glossogobius giuris 700
Shol Channa striata 500
Kaua Euthynnus affinis 175
Narkeli Rastrelliger kanagurta 300
Tuna Auxis thazard 500- 680(depending on size)
Foli Chada Pampus candidus 700-1200 (depending on size)
Pangas Pangasius pangasius 150
Pabda Ompok pabda 380
Gulsha Mystus cavasius 700
Tengra Mystus tengara 600
Shing Heteropneustes fossilis 350-400 (depending on size)

Magur Clarias magur 500

Species composition

A total of over 37 fish and shellfish species were recorded from the Riazuddinbazar Fish Market,
representing 14 different taxonomic orders, 24 different families and a variety of freshwater, marine, and
brackish habitats. The most species-rich order was Cypriniformes, followed by Siluriformes,
Scombriformes, and Perciformes. The family Cyprinidae was the most dominant, contributing the highest
number of species, particularly from freshwater ecosystems.

Several species were observed to be consistently abundant across market stalls. Among freshwater species,
Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), and Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) were the most commonly
available, reflecting their central role in aquaculture and capture fisheries. Pabdah catfish (Ompok pabda),
though listed as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN, was frequently encountered, indicating significant market
demand. Other freshwater species such as Gangetic koi (Anabas cobojius) and Tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus) were also commonly present, highlighting their widespread cultivation and adaptability. In the
marine category, species such as Frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta),
locally known as Narkeli, and Black pomfret (Parastromateus niger), locally known as Chanda, were
prominent and appeared regularly in bulk quantities. Additionally, Silver pomfret (Pampus candidus),

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known as Foli chanda, and Bombay duck (Harpadon nehereus) were frequently displayed, underscoring
their popularity in coastal and urban markets. This widespread presence of both cultured and wild-caught
species reflects the market's reliance on both inland aquaculture and marine capture fisheries.

A comprehensive checklist of species was prepared during the visit to Riazuddinbazar Fish Market,
documenting the common and commercially important finfish and shellfish available at the site. The
checklist included scientific names, local names, habitat types, and IUCN Red List conservation statuses,
providing a detailed overview of species composition.

The IUCN status breakdown of the documented species reveals that 24 species were classified as Least
Concern (LC), indicating relatively stable populations, while 3 species were Endangered (EN), including
Ompok pabda and Clarias magur, reflecting serious conservation concerns. Additionally, 4 species were
listed as Vulnerable (VU), and 2 species as Near Threatened (NT). 3 species were categorized as Data
Deficient (DD), and several others had Not Evaluated (NE) status. This distribution underscores the
importance of ongoing monitoring and sustainable fishing practices to protect at-risk species while
maintaining food security and livelihoods dependent on fisheries.

Figure 4: Order wise species composition9

The data show that Cypriniformes was the most dominant order, comprising 6 species, primarily
freshwater carps such as Labeo rohita, Catla catla, and Cirrhinus cirrhosus. This reflects the
significant role of inland aquaculture and freshwater fisheries in the market supply.

Siluriformes, Scombriformes, and Carangiformes followed closely, each contributing 4 species.

These orders include important catfishes (e.g., Pangasius pangasius, Ompok pabda), mackerels
and tunas (e.g., Rastrelliger kanagurta, Auxis thazard), and jacks/seabasses (e.g., Lates calcarifer),
indicating a diverse mix of freshwater and marine-origin species.

Moderate representation was observed for Decapoda and Acanthuriformes, each with 3 species,
encompassing commercially important crustaceans and threadfin breams. Orders such as
Clupeiformes, Cichliformes, and Aulopiformes each contained 2 species, while Mugiliformes,
Gobiiformes, Anabantiformes, and Perciformes were the least represented, with only 1 species
each.

Figure 2 presents the family-wise distribution of species recorded at Riazuddinbazar Fish Market.
The family Cyprinidae was the most dominant, with 5 species, reflecting the prevalence of
freshwater carps in local aquaculture and capture fisheries. Polynemidae and Scombridae
followed, each contributing 3 species, primarily consisting of threadfins and marine pelagics like
mackerels and tunas. Families such as Bagridae, Penaeidae, Clupeidae, and Carangidae had 2
species each, while the rest, including Cichlidae, Mugilidae, and Clariidae, were represented by
only one species.

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Figure 5: Family wise Species Composition

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 Table 1 Checklist of Species found in Riaj Uddin Bazar (Fish Market). Habitat abbreviations: M = Marine, B = Brackish, F = Freshwater. IUCN
Red List Categories: LC = Least Concern, NT = Near Threatened, VU = Vulnerable, EN = Endangered, DD = Data Deficient, NE = Not Evaluated.

IUCN
Order Family Common Name Local Name Scientific Name Habitat Status
Acanthuriformes Nemipteridae Japanese threadfin bream Rupban Poa Nemipterus japonicus M LC
Lal Koral/ Ranga
Lutjanus bohar
Acanthuriformes Lutjanidae Two-spot Red Snapper Choi M LC
Acanthuriformes Anabantidae Gangetic koi Koi Anabas cobojius F LC
Anabantiformes Synodontidae Bombay Duck Loittya Harpadon nehereus M, B NT
Eleutheronema
Aulopiformes Polynemidae Fourfinger threadfin Tailla tetradactylum M,B,F NE
Carangiformes Polynemidae Indian threadfin Lakkha Leptomelanosoma indicum M, B NE
Carangiformes Atidae Asian Seabass Koral Lates calcarifer M,B,F LC

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Carangiformes Polynemidae Paradise threadfin Taposhi Polynemus paradiseus M,B,F LC
Carangiformes Cichlidae Tilapia Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus F LC
Cichliformes Dorosomatidae White sardine Moilla Escualosa thoracata M LC
Clupeiformes Clupeidae Hilsa shad Ilish Tenualosa ilisha M,B,F LC
Clupeiformes Sillaginidae Flathead sillago Tular Dandi Sillaginopsis panijus M,B,F NE
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Bighead Carp Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis F DD
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Catla Katal Catla catla F NT
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Rohu Rui Labeo rohita F LC
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Cauvery white carp Mrigel Cirrhinus cirrhosus F VU
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Bata labeo Bata Labeo bata F LC
Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Mola carplet Mola Amblypharyngodon mola F LC
 Cypriniformes Cyprinidae Carpu Karfu Cyprinus carpio B,F VU
Decapoda Sergestidae Akiami paste shrimp Loilla iccha Acetes japonicus M NE
Decapoda Penaeidae Giant tiger prawn Bagda Chingri Penaeus monodon M,B NE
Macrobrachium
Decapoda Palaemonidae rosenbergii Golda Chingri Macrobrachium rosenbergii F LC
Gobiiformes Gobiidae Mud Skipper Chiring Pseudapocryptes elongatus M LC
Mugiliformes Mugilidae Flathead Gray Mullet Khorol Bata Mugil cephalus M, B, F LC
Perciformes Carangidae Black pomfret Kalo Chanda Parastromateus niger M LC
Perciformes Gobiidae Tank goby Bailla Glossogobius giuris F LC
Perciformes Channidae snakehead murrel Shol Channa striata F LC

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Scombriformes Scombridae Kawakawa Kaua Euthynnus affinis M LC
Scombriformes Scombridae Indian Mackerel Narkeli Rastrelliger kanagurta M,B DD
Scombriformes Scombridae Frigate tuna Tuna Auxis thazard M LC
Scombriformes Scombridae Silver Pomfret Foli Chada Pampus candidus M,B NE
Siluriformes Pangasiidae Pangas catfish Pangas Pangasius pangasius F LC
Siluriformes Siluridae Pabdah catfish Pabda Ompok pabda F EN
Siluriformes Bagridae Gangetic mystus Gulsha Mystus cavasius F VU
Siluriformes Bagridae Tengara mystus Tengra Mystus tengara F LC
Siluriformes Heteropneustidae Heteropneustes fossilis Shing Heteropneustes fossilis F LC
Siluriformes Clariidae Walking catfish Magur Clarias magur F EN
Discussion
Dominant Species and Their Importance

The most commonly sold fish species in Riazuddin Bazar include Rui (Labeo rohita), Katla (Catla
catla), Tilapia, Pangas, and Boal (Wallago attu). These species are favored for their high demand
among consumers due to taste, affordability, and familiarity. Rui and Katla dominate because of
their large size and cultural preference in Bengali cuisine. Marine species like Hilsa and Pomfret
are also sold but in smaller quantities due to their higher price and seasonality.

Interpretation of Price Patterns

Fish prices in the market show variation based on species, size, season, and supply source. Prices
tend to rise during:

▪ Monsoon (due to low catch)

▪ Religious festivals (increased demand)
▪ Early morning hours (higher freshness)

Farmed fish such as Tilapia and Pangas remain relatively stable in price, while wild-caught fish
like Hilsa show frequent price spikes. Lack of standard pricing and bargaining leads to inconsistent
price patterns across stalls.

Seller Experience and Daily Volume

Most fish sellers have over 10 years of experience, and rely on inherited trade knowledge. Daily
sales volume varies between 30 to 100 kg per seller depending on fish availability and customer
traffic. Experienced sellers tend to have loyal customers and better negotiation power with
suppliers.

Marketing Efficiency and Existing Gaps

The current marketing system is semi-organized but has several inefficiencies:

Lack of cold storage leads to post-harvest losses and price manipulation. Dependence on
intermediaries (fariah, aratdar) reduces profit margins for both producers and retailers.Poor
infrastructure like inadequate drainage and shelter affects hygiene and working conditions. Manual
handling without modern grading/sorting tools reduces fish quality. There’s a need for digital
weighing systems, price boards, and direct farmer-to-retailer linkage to improve transparency and
efficiency.

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8. Conclusion

This study of Riazuddin Bazar reveals a complex, multi-layered fish supply and marketing system.
Rui, Katla, and Tilapia dominate the market due to consumer demand. Price variability is
influenced by supply chain dynamics and seasonal changes. While sellers are experienced, the
market faces logistical and infrastructural challenges that hinder efficiency. The study highlights
the importance of understanding market dynamics in fisheries research. It demonstrates how
species availability, seller experience, and marketing channels affect fish accessibility and pricing.
Fieldwork also enhanced skills in data collection, stakeholder communication, and qualitative
analysis.

To enhance the performance of Riazuddin Bazar, Cold storage facilities should be introduced to
reduce spoilage. Infrastructure upgrades (paved floors, waste disposal, drainage) are needed.
Training for sellers on hygienic handling and modern marketing tools. Digitalization (e.g., online
pricing boards, mobile apps) can reduce dependency on intermediaries and increase transparency.

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Appendix
Field Survey Questionnaire, Riazuddin Bazar (Fish Market), Chattogram, Bangladesh

Section 1: General Information

1. Name of respondent (optional): ___________________________
2. Age: _______

3. Gender: ☐ Male ☐ Female ☐ Other

4. Mobile number (optional): ___________________________
5. How long have you been working in this market? ______ years

6. Are you the owner or a worker? ☐ Owner ☐ Worker

Section 2: Seller Information
7. How many fish stalls do you operate? ______
8. What type of seller are you? (Tick all that apply)

☐ Retailer ☐ Wholesaler ☐ Commission agent (Aratdar) ☐ Middleman (Bepari) ☐

Fisherman selling directly ☐ Other: ____________________
9. How many employees or helpers work with you? ______
Section 3: Fish Species Composition
10. What species of fish do you usually sell? (Please tick or list species below)
Species Name Available Year-Round? Wild or Farmed?
(Local/English) (Y/N)

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Section 4: Fish Prices
11. What is the average selling price per kg of the following species today?
Fish Species Price (BDT/kg) Source Origin
(Wild/Farmed) (District/Area)

Section 5: Marketing Channel

12. Where do you usually buy your fish from? (Tick all that apply)

☐ Local fishermen ☐ Fish farms ☐ Beparis (middlemen) ☐ Wholesale markets ☐ Direct

from producers ☐ Others: ___________________
13. Who are your main buyers?

☐ Local consumers ☐ Retailers ☐ Restaurants ☐ Institutional buyers (hotels, hospitals)

☐ Exporters ☐ Others: ___________________
14. What is the mode of payment?

☐ Cash ☐ Mobile banking (bKash, Nagad, etc.) ☐ Credit (pay later)

15. Are there any challenges you face in the marketing process? (Open-ended)
____________________________________________________________

16. Do you face price fluctuations frequently? ☐ Yes ☐ No

If yes, what causes it most?

☐ Seasonal availability ☐ Transportation cost ☐ Market demand ☐ Other:

___________________

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Pictorial Guide

Folichanda Kala chanda

Pampus candidus Parastromateus niger

Moilla (মইল্লা)
Loitta (লইট্টা)
Escualosa thoracata
Harpadon nehereus

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 Silver carp Catla

Hypophthalmichthys molitrix Catla catla

Kauwa Narkeli

Euthynnus affinis Rastrelliger kanagurta

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 Rupban Poa Tuna machh

Nemipterus japonicus Auxis thazard

Khorul bata Rui

Mugil cephalus Labeo rohita

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 Pangus
Pabda

Pangasius pangasius Ompok pabda

Telapia Tailla

Oreochromis niloticus
Eleutheronema tetradactylum

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Koral (ক ারাল) Lal Koral/ Ranga Choi
Lates calcarifer Lutjanus bohar

Karfu
Ilish
Cyprinus carpio
Tenualosa ilisha

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 Taposhi Gulsha

Polynemus paradiseus Mystus cavasius

Moilla Mrigel

Cirrhinus cirrhosus
Escualosa thoracata

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 Bailla Bata

Glossogobius giuris Labeo bata

Tular Dandi

Sillaginopsis panijus

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 Tengra Mola

Mystus tengara Amblypharyngodon mola

Loilla iccha
Chiring
Acetes japonicus
Pseudapocryptes elongatus

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 Golda Chingri Bagda Chingri

Macrobrachium rosenbergii Penaeus monodon

Shol
Magur
Channa striata
Clarias magur

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 Shing Koi

Heteropneustes fossilis Anabas cobojius

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GROUP – A

Figure: Group – A, before going on the trip

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