Dhaka, Nov. 4 -- Once considered a fish largely associated with the southern rivers of Bangladesh, hilsa is increasingly making its presence felt in the rivers of the north, raising hopes of new opportunities for fishermen in the region.

The Teesta, Dharla, Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers are now occasionally yielding the prized fish, with fishermen reporting catches in several areas of Rangpur division.

According to the Department of Fisheries, around 58 tonnes of hilsa have been caught so far this season in 11 upazilas across Lalmonirhat, Kurigram and Gaibandha districts.

The figure was 39 tonnes in the previous season and 32 tonnes in 2024, indicating a gradual increase in the region's hilsa catch.

The fish is being found in six upaz...