Hilsa Honesty: Chandpur Cracks Down on Online Fish Fraud
To curb deception and harassment in the name of selling “Chandpur Ilish (Hilsa)” online, the Chandpur district administration has taken strict measures by introducing a registration system for genuine local sellers. Following verification of 44 applications from local residents, seven online traders were granted official registration on Thursday, September 9.
At a ceremony held in the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Chandpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Mohsin Uddin formally handed over registration certificates to the seven approved online entrepreneurs.
All the registered ventures are Facebook-based businesses. Among them, “Ilish Bhaiya Chandpur” is operated by Md. Khokon Patwari. The other certified online sellers include Zakir Hossain’s Mach Palli, Abdullah Al Mamun’s Akin Shop, Taza Ilish Dot Com, Ilish Rani, Ishtiaq Abir’s Rupali Bazar, and Sajib Ilisher Bazar Chandpur.
Several online fish traders present at the event expressed satisfaction with the initiative, saying that dishonest individuals had been exploiting buyers by taking payments without delivering fish — damaging the reputation and business of legitimate sellers.
Speaking as the chief guest, DC Mohammad Mohsin Uddin said, “Since the documents were found to be valid, seven sellers have been granted registration at the initial stage. We have decided to issue such registrations every year. No fees were charged for this registration. Later, a renewal process may be introduced for one or two years, also without fees. However, if anyone discontinues their business, their registration will be cancelled. Our main goal is to uphold the heritage of Chandpur Hilsa and prevent anyone from committing fraud using its name.”
The DC further stated, “The list of registered sellers will be published on the Deputy Commissioner’s official website. This will encourage others to become registered and discourage fraudulent sellers from outside the district. We will also promote awareness about this initiative.”
He cautioned the registered traders, saying, “Do not sell Hilsa from Hatiya in the name of Chandpur Hilsa. Hatiya Hilsa costs slightly less, and customers must not be deceived. The heritage and reputation of Chandpur’s Hilsa must remain intact.”
The event was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md. Ershad Uddin, while Police Superintendent (SP) Muhammad Abdur Rakib, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S. M. N. Jamiul Hikma, District Fisheries Officer Shribas Chandra Chand, Chandpur Press Club President Rahim Badsha, and General Secretary Kader Palash were also present.
