From banks of Karnaphuli river in Bangladesh, how Hilsa fish makes its way into Kolkata

Hilsa fish is a sentiment for Bengalis. For Bangladeshis, Hilsa is the national fish. Although the fish get caught in the fishermen's net round the year, monsoon is the peak season when the number multiplies. Bengalis from both West Bengal in India and Bangladesh wait for this season. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

At the estuary of Bay of Bengal, there's Karnaphuli river. Boats have been lined up at its bank just before the fishermen set out fishing with their nets to the sea. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The school of Hilsa fish usually swims past Meghna river and ventures into the rivers of Bhola-Bhanpur-Shariyatpur areas. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The fishermen usually set off to the sea for 10-15 days to catch fish. However, the Hilsa fish mostly gets trapped at the estuary. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

After a whole night of fishing, fishermen return home in the dawn. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

Bangladesh has stringent laws for selling small Hilsa fish. This makes it difficult to spot small-size fish in the markets. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The fish are then carried to their godowns in small trucks or pick-up vans. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

According to Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh, the country has improved its world raking from fourth to third in fish production. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The cost of the fish at present ranges from Rs 600- Rs 700 per kg. The smaller fish cost between Rs 300 to Rs 400. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)

The fish are sold per basket in the big fish market next to the Karnaphuli river. One basket contains five Hilsa fish each weighing 700g to 800g. Each of these baskets is sold at Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)