SLC29-W2 : Sitakunda Fish Market

Hello friends, I hope you are all well. For the second week of the Steemit Challenge contest, I will be sharing my experience and a review of my visit to the Sitakunda Fish market. I would like to thank the organizers of this challenge, and without further delay, I am starting my participation.

A Visit to the Sitakunda Fish Market

I visited the Sitakunda fish market. Although there are larger fish markets within the Upazila, this one remains the top choice for locals. Its popularity stems from being the closest and most trusted market for people living in the rural area, that’s why it is always crowded with customers.

The fish market is located right next to the Sitakunda Police Station vegetable market. Since this area has the highest population density in the Upazila, it is almost always crowded with shoppers. The market remains open every day of the week, though there are no strictly defined operating hours.

Market Infrastructure and Environment

Approximately 30 to 40 sellers can sit together in this area with their variety of fish. The vending area has a solid concrete floor with a good drainage system. The ceiling is made of tin-shed, though the height of the shed is somewhat low.

I visited during the evening and noticed numerous bulbs lighting up the entire area. Specifically, sellers have installed extra lighting outside the main shed to ensure their fish look bright and clean for the customers, creating a vibrant and well-lit environment even after sunset.

Regarding the environment, being a fish market, it is seems a bit untidy and disorganized. However, most people visit here to find the best fish within their budget, so the ambiance isn't a major concern for them.

Variety and Pricing

You can find all types of fish here, including river, sea, and farm-project fish. As mentioned earlier, locals prefer this over larger markets very much because the prices are very reasonable.

You will find many freshwater fish like Rui, Katla, Mrigal, Shing, Koi, Tilapia, and Poa. Additionally, sea fish such as Shrimp, Kata, Hundara, Loitta, and Koral are readily available. When Hilsa season arrives, this market is often the first to stock them. For those who enjoy crabs, they are also available, usually sold by vendors sitting on the outer edges of the market.

I am sharing the prices of some fish below:

Thumbnail	Price BDT	Price STEEM
Big Talapiya	180 Bdt	22.8 STEEM
Rui Fish	250 Bdt	30.9 STEEM
Big Carp	230 Bdt	28.4 STEEM
Pangash	200 Bdt	24.7 STEEM

Prices are well within the reach of average customers. Generally, sea fish are more expensive than freshwater fish due to the higher costs and effort in catching them. Budget-friendly fish are the most common daily purchases. Given the economic context of our country, customers buy sea fish according to their specific needs.

Shopping Experience and Services

After spending some time there, I realized the market is more crowded in the afternoon than in the morning. Most working professionals stop by to shop after finishing their office hours. One of the best things here is the ability to negotiate prices, and the fish at Sitakunda market are always fresh.

For customers who shop late at night and find it difficult to clean fish at home, there is a dedicated fish-cutting section. Depending on the size, customers can have their fish cut into their desired pieces for a fee ranging from 10 to 30 Taka.

Since it is a fish market, there will be some bad smell, which is natural. This is most noticeable while buying fish. And to keep the fish fresh, sellers use ice which melts over time. When it melts and the water spreads a bit, a fishy smell can be noticed nearby; otherwise, it is suitable for shopping in all other aspects

My Personal Experience

Whether it is freshwater or saltwater fish, customers find their favorite fish here. Leaving aside the market environment, if I talk about pricing, fish can be bought at a fair price by negotiating. Whether it is morning or night, favorite fish can be found here at any time.

✓ How often do you buy meat or fish from this establishment?

I shop for fish here sometimes weekly and sometimes monthly. Since it is located within our Upazila, it is very convenient for me. I don’t have to travel to larger, distant areas even when I want to buy sea fish. The prices feel fair to me, which is why this is my favorite fish market.

✓ When shopping at these shops, which thing do you value the most: low price, cleanliness, or friendly service?

I value the Sitakunda market for its fair pricing, and the friendliness of the sellers. Unless you go to a high-end supershop, any traditional fish market will be somewhat messy; Sitakunda is no exception. The use of ice for preservation inevitably leads to a bit of a mess and a smell. Aside from these issues, the Sitakunda market seems very valuable to me in all other aspects.