Deconstructing the Chain: A Comprehensive Analysis on the Inefficiencies and Transformation Pathways in Bangladesh’s Seafood Value Chain

This paper gives an in-depth evaluation of the shortcomings and developmental directions in the seafood value chain of Bangladesh, which is an important sector in the economy, employment and food security of the country. Although the sector contributes in excess of 3.65% to GDP, and sustains 18 million livelihoods, it is still confronted by the same issues, such as too much intermediation, poor infrastructure, low-quality control, little technological uptake, and poor market organization. Such inefficiencies reduce producer income, rise consumer prices and make exports uncompetitive and aggravate environmental and social susceptibility. The study compares the best practices of the value chain of Bangladesh to the global standards of Vietnam, Thailand and India through qualitative research which involves interviews with stakeholders and secondary analyses of data. Among the most important recommendations, there are digitalization, modernization of infrastructure, increased quality assurance, producer empowerment (and mostly women), and environmental protection. The above strategies can maximize value addition, enhance sustainability and make Bangladesh a competitive force in the world seafood market.