Following the conclusion of the 22-day national ban implemented to safeguard mother Hilsa during their peak breeding season, fishing fleets have returned to rivers and the Bay of Bengal. However, despite increased supply arriving at coastal landings and wholesale hubs, retail Hilsa prices across capital markets remain stubbornly high. The 22-day fishing ban concluded at midnight on October 29, 2026, with fishermen resuming operations on October 30.A field survey across Dhaka’s retail markets, including Mugda market, revealed that Hilsa is being sold across five primary weight and size tiers:1 KG Size: ৳2,000 to ৳2,500 per kg.600g – 800g Size: ৳1,800 to ৳2,200 per kg.3 Pieces per KG: ৳1,200 to ৳1,500 per kg.4 Pieces per KG: ৳900 to ৳1,100 per kg.5–6 Pieces per KG (Small): ৳700 to ৳800 per kg.Retailers like Lokman from Mugda market explained that while supply has increased, inflated wholesale rates at commission agent depots (Arats) force retailers to maintain high consumer prices, making a minimal ৳50 margin per kg. Conversely, consumers like private employee Solaiman Mondal expressed frustration over video proof showing abundant catches at sea that fail to reflect in retail pricing. Consumers are calling on market monitoring authorities to penalize artificial price manipulation by intermediaries and enforce price transparency between wholesale and retail channels.