Destination guide
Ilish Ghat & Hilsa Market
ইলিশ ঘাট ও ইলিশ বাজার
Just across the rail line from Boro Station sits the country's largest hilsa market — many claim it fills about 70% of the nation's hilsa demand. Trading starts before dawn: ice-packed crates in the arats, auction calls, a whole different world.
History & significance
Chandpur has been the hilsa town for centuries — the fish come to the Meghna to spawn, hence the name. The river port's trading history goes back to the 18th–19th century, and the fish arats were always at its centre.
How to get there
Directly opposite the Boro Station railway station — look for the big 'ইলিশ' sign. 10–20 taka by auto from the launch terminal.
Entry fee
৳700–5,000 · traveller-reported
No entry ticket. Hilsa prices reported from 700 to 2800 taka a kilo by size — for 1.5–2 kg giants some ask 3000–5000 taka.
Opening hours & best time
Trading starts before dawn; the market runs all day, busiest in the morning.
Best time
Monsoon to autumn is hilsa season — prices are relatively lower and the fish fresher.
Traveller tips
Real river hilsa: transparent eyes, small head, flat silvery body.
Buy fish and have the adjacent hotel fry it — cooking runs about 200 taka a fish, rice 20 taka.
They ice-pack fish to ship anywhere in the country for around 300 taka.
Ask them to fry in mustard oil you buy yourself — several travellers complain vendors reuse old oil.
Location
The exact coordinates of this destination have not been verified yet, so no map location is shown.