Despite the prohibition on farming and selling piranha fish, they are being found in various areas of the city. Some unscrupulous traders are exploiting the opportunity to sell these fish under false labels, aiming for higher profits at a low cost.
Editor: Mohammad Samir
In the Akbarshah area of the city, specifically in the Akbarshah raw market, piranha fish have been spotted being sold at a price of 200 Taka per kilogram. Traders in this market have been selling them under the guise of Rupchanda fish for a long time.
Although piranha fish from the Amazon River are prohibited for farming and sale, certain dishonest traders are deceiving customers by marketing them as Rupchanda fish.
These traders are taking advantage of the situation, setting traps to sell man-eating piranhas under the name of red Rupchanda.
Piranhas are ferocious carnivorous creatures native to the Amazon River. They become aggressive and dangerous when they smell blood. Equipped with extremely sharp and strong teeth, piranhas feed on human flesh, dead crocodiles, frogs, small fish, and nearly any other kind of meat.
The supply of piranha fish in the country is facilitated by wholesale traders in large fish markets. Piranhas are being farmed in various water bodies across the country. In some cases, these fish are released into open waters, disrupting the breeding of other species of fish. The rapid growth of piranhas is significantly hindering the reproduction of native fish species, leading to their decline.
A fish vendor, speaking anonymously to The Justice Bangla, revealed, “We bring these fish from the wholesale market in Pahartali. It’s not just me; many other fish traders like me collect them daily.”
Piranha fish are being sold in different parts of the city. Driven by the lure of high profits, farmers in various districts are cultivating this fish. The farming of piranhas is increasing day by day. Despite widespread discussions and writings in newspapers about this banned fish, its sale continues unabated.
Low-income and impoverished families in the country are unknowingly purchasing piranha fish, which is contributing to various health issues. Concerned citizens believe that if law enforcement agencies closely monitor the illegal trade of this fish, it would greatly benefit the country and society at large.
