Most exporters of crab and Kuchia (swamp eel) in Bangladesh say they cannot do business in a market with strong potential. They allege that a group of 15 to 16 traders controls the sector’s exports. Those outside the group say that despite repeated visits to the Department of Fisheries, they cannot get the sample testing and certification required to export. Some businesses have all but stopped operating, while others survive by shipping small quantities under another firm’s licence.
Traders say demand for crab and kuchia is strong in China and several other Asian countries, but restricted access means the market’s full potential is going untapped. They warn that this reduces foreign currency earnings and endangers the livelihoods of workers, collectors, transport workers and others in the supply chain.
Several traders allege that a group is influencing export activity with the help of some Fisheries Department officials. These claims have not been independently verified.
Probir, proprietor of B.C. Food, said he exported crab and kuchia under another company’s licence until three or four months ago, but that route has now closed.
“The entire sector is now in the hands of a syndicate,” he said. “A group is doing business by showing its power, while everyone else is deprived.”
Since he has no licence of his own, he used to ship through a licensed firm. He said the Fisheries Department is no longer accepting samples from that firm either. “If you are outside the syndicate, the department does not take samples,” he said.
Licence holders also blocked
Even exporters with their own licences say they are stuck. Gopal, proprietor of Biswas Trading, said he exported crab and kuchia two to three months ago but cannot now obtain the certificate needed to restart.
“When we go to the Department of Fisheries, they say samples cannot be taken for now,” he said. “They tell us to contact the minister if we have any complaint. We return from the Fisheries Building empty-handed. Some of us have even gone to the minister and got no solution.”
He asked why a trader with a valid licence should be barred from exporting, arguing that the opportunity should be equal for all. “There is huge potential in this sector, but because of one group, we cannot do business,” he said.
Three hundred members, a handful exporting
A former leader of the Bangladesh Live and Chill Food Exporters Association, who asked not to be named, said many traders have been unable to export for six to seven months. He alleged that a group of 15 to 16 effectively controls the whole trade.
“Everyone outside this syndicate is in bad shape,” he said. “Various people are labelled as associates of the previous regime and kept away from this business. Everyone who holds an export licence has the right to send crab and kuchia abroad, but in reality that is not happening.”
The association has more than 300 members, he said, and about 85 of them hold approval to export crab and kuchia to China. Yet only 15 to 16 are actually exporting. “The syndicate is so powerful that even the deprived traders are afraid to speak,” he said.
How the sampling process works
According to traders, the first step in exporting is getting a sample approved. A Fisheries Department inspector examines the exporter’s sample and codes it. The exporter then completes the process for approvals and certificates before shipping.
Uttam, proprietor of Riju International, said each sample requires a pay order of Tk 50,000. He said exporters who have spent the money and made all preparations are left with nothing if the sample is not accepted.
Uttam holds his own licence and says he could normally ship five tonnes a month. Using someone else’s licence, he can now send only 200 to 300 kilograms.
“I have my own licence, yet I cannot send goods according to demand,” he said. “People linked to the big players are sending their goods. We cannot. We are somehow surviving on others’ licences, but for how long?”
Shaheen, proprietor of SNR Enterprise, described himself as a small trader who sends a little through other firms. “Many cannot send at all,” he said. “Samples are not being taken from everyone, so they are suffering losses.”
Traders say costs continue even when exports stall, including warehouses, staff, procurement and transport. The former association leader said that those unable to ship “will not take long to go bankrupt.” Many have worked in the sector for 15 to 20 years, he said, and are now forced to sit idle despite their experience, investment and market contacts.
The impact could spread well beyond exporters. Crab and kuchia collectors, local wholesalers, transport workers and labourers could all lose work if firms close.
A market concentrated in China
Traders say crab is mainly sourced from Khulna, Satkhira and Chakaria in Chattogram, while kuchia comes from Rajbari, Netrokona, Sylhet and Chandpur, among other areas.
They claim around 99 percent of exports go to China, with some demand in Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore. Such concentration is a major opportunity but also a risk for buyers, prices and trade terms. Opening new markets and allowing more exporters into existing ones could expand the sector’s potential. One trader said that with proper government support and equal opportunity, the sector could earn several thousand crore taka in foreign currency.
Allegations over a September 27 sampling
A separate set of allegations centres on a sampling carried out on September 27. Some licensed exporters say that although they have submitted applications and documents and waited about two months, their samples have not been collected. Yet they allege that around 90 kuchia samples were quietly collected from one particular packing firm on that date.
They have demanded an investigation into the process and the role of Fisheries Building staff. Allegations have also been made against an official and two female inspectors. No response from those named, and no independently verified documents, were available at the time of reporting, so the claims remain unconfirmed.
Some traders also alleged that individuals are using political identity to pressure businesses, and in some cases lock up premises to extort money, with minority traders said to be under particular pressure. Neither the political organisations nor the accused could be reached for comment.
Three demands
The traders have demanded: An investigation into the legitimacy and process of the 90 kuchia samples taken on September 27, Cancellation of the related certificates if irregularities are proven and Collection and testing of samples from all applicant exporters under the rules, without favouring any party.
Official information notes that exports of fish and fish products to China follow a set procedure of inspection, sampling, testing and health certification.
Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, told the New Nation that the ministry would look into any such allegations.
“If there are any such complaints, we will examine them and take action,” he said. “Exporters facing such obstacles should meet me directly. Whoever’s samples are not being taken or who are not being given certificates, I will look into those complaints and take necessary action.”
Crab and kuchia could become a significant source of export income, but only if market access, administrative decisions and quality control are transparent and accountable. Whether any group is limiting competition through influence should be determined by an impartial inquiry.
The traders say they are not seeking special favours, only an equal chance to do business under the rules. If that is ensured, exports, local employment and producers’ incomes could all grow. If the complaints go unresolved, a sector with open market opportunities could suffer lasting damage.