Sachchida Nanda Dey Saday, Ashashuni (Satkhira) 

Shrimp, particularly Bagda (tiger shrimp), is one of Bangladesh’s most valuable export-oriented agricultural products. It enjoys high demand in international markets and plays a vital role in earning foreign currency. Yet, in recent years, a grave malpractice has become alarmingly common in Ashashuni, a major shrimp-producing region of Satkhira: the injection of adulterants into shrimp.

Across various fish depots and collection centers in Ashashuni, this unethical practice has become routine. To increase weight artificially, substances such as jelly, flour, sago, barley, dirty water, and even extracts from spinach leaves are injected into shrimp. Afterward, the shrimp are soaked in water or preserved in ice to prevent the adulterants from leaking out before being transported to Dhaka and other cities. As a result, finding pure shrimp in the market has become nearly impossible.

Adulterated shrimp is not merely inferior in quality—it poses severe health hazards. Such shrimp often carry bacterial contamination, leading to long-term health complications. Yet, unsuspecting consumers are forced to eat these harmful products regularly.

Behind this malpractice lies a powerful syndicate. From small-scale traders to large wholesalers, many are involved. Consequently, administrative raids and monitoring by the fisheries department remain largely ineffective. The malpractice has reached a level where it has virtually become the norm. Even when some depot owners discourage such practices, their efforts go in vain, as buyers simply turn to other depots that allow adulteration.

The consequences extend far beyond local markets. Shrimp is one of Bangladesh’s leading export commodities, but adulteration has already begun to tarnish its reputation abroad. If decisive action is not taken immediately, Bangladesh risks losing its share in the global shrimp market, dealing a devastating blow to this vital industry. Experts and concerned citizens warn that without coordinated and stringent measures, the future of the country’s shrimp exports will be in jeopardy.

What is needed now is a nationwide, simultaneous crackdown on this malpractice. Isolated raids will not suffice; all depots and shrimp collection centers must be brought under strict surveillance. Exporting companies, too, must take responsibility by refusing to purchase adulterated shrimp. It requires a united effort—administrators, the fisheries department, traders, and consumers alike must step forward to stop this crime against both public health and the national economy.

The injection of adulterants into shrimp at Ashashuni is not a mere local issue; it is a direct threat to Bangladesh’s economy and the well-being of its citizens. For the sake of short-term profits, unscrupulous traders are deceiving consumers and tarnishing the nation’s image. Unless firm and effective measures are taken immediately, Bangladesh’s shrimp industry may be pushed to the brink of collapse.