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Published : 21 Sep 2024, 05:22 PM
The government has permitted the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa fish to India on the occasion of Durga Puja.
The approval is contingent upon the exporters fulfilling specified conditions based on their requests, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
As in previous years, India requested the import of Hilsa from Bangladesh in a letter sent on Sept 11, ahead of the annual festival.
The letter from Indian traders said Bangladesh had been exporting an average of 5,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India annually since 1996.
However, the exports came to a halt in 2012 for unknown reasons.
Over the last five years, Bangladesh has resumed limited exports specifically for Durga Puja under special consideration, the letter said.
Given the overall circumstances, Indian traders sought the opportunity to import Hilsa from Bangladesh.
Following the political unrest that led to the fall of the Awami League government and the assumption of duties by the interim administration, discussions about Hilsa exports to India gained traction on social media, particularly following comments made by Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter.
On Aug 11, responding to journalists at the Secretariat, Farida said Hilsa would be exported only after meeting local demand.
She said, “We will ensure that the people of our country can access Hilsa at reasonable prices, and exporting without addressing local needs is not an option.”
She also pledged to make Hilsa more affordable for low-income citizens.
Recently, media reports have surfaced regarding the seizure of Hilsa during smuggling attempts across borders.
