Early on Friday morning, the Brahmaputra River in Gaibandha witnessed the extraordinary capture of a colossal 90-kilogram catfish, sending ripples of excitement through the local community. The massive fish became ensnared in the net of Mustafa Mia, a fisherman from the Kamarjani area, instantly drawing attention from nearby residents who hailed the catch as a “priceless gift of nature.”
Mustafa Mia recounted the dramatic moment, saying, “As I cast my net into the river at dawn, the water suddenly surged violently. I realised almost immediately that a very large fish had been caught. With the help of local volunteers, we managed to haul the fish safely to the riverbank.” The news quickly spread, and locals gathered along the river to witness the enormous catfish, creating a lively and bustling scene.
Following several rounds of negotiation, the prized fish was sold for 100,000 taka to Sabuj Mia, a prominent local fish trader. He transported the catfish to the old market in Gaibandha town, where it was portioned and sold by weight at a rate of 1,100 taka per kilogram. The fish was swiftly purchased, and residents queued eagerly to secure their share.
Jewel Mia of Munshipara said, “Catfish of this size were once common in the Brahmaputra. I am thrilled to have bought even just one kilogram.” Similarly, Bahar Uddin from the suburbs commented, “I would have bought the entire fish if I could, but I managed only three kilograms. Within an hour, every portion had been sold.”
Locals view the timing of this catch—just before Eid-ul-Fitr—as a fortuitous blessing. Mustafa Mia reflected, “Given the size of the catfish, it truly deserved a higher price. It is a remarkable specimen, both in size and value.”
The table below summarises the key details of this extraordinary catch:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | Catfish (Baghair) |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Location | Brahmaputra River, Kamarjani area |
| Time of Capture | Friday morning |
| Sale Price | 100,000 Taka |
| Price per Kilogram | 1,100 Taka |
| Buyer | Sabuj Mia |
This remarkable catch has generated widespread excitement and celebration among local residents. People flocked to the market not only to savour the taste of this enormous catfish but also to partake in the communal thrill of witnessing a rare and culturally significant event. Beyond its economic value, the catch underscores the enduring richness of the Brahmaputra’s fisheries and showcases the skill and perseverance of local fishermen, cementing the catfish’s importance in both social and cultural terms.