Khulna, Sept. 3 -- Known as the pride of Bangali's dining tables, hilsa has now become a luxury in Khulna markets.

Despite the peak season, dwindling catches have sent prices soaring, leaving traders struggling and ordinary consumers priced out.

Visits to Khulna's main wholesale fish hubs, Bhairab River's Ghat No. 5 and the Rupsha Fish Ghat, popularly known as the 'Hilsa Ghats', revealed an unusually bleak scene.

The once-abundant display of hilsa in baskets and trays has thinned considerably, forcing prices to spiral.

"My father and grandfather were in this business. Our family has been trading hilsa for around 70 to 80 years. But we've never seen a shortage like this season," said Sayeed Ali, a wholesale fish trader.

"Usually, we s...