For Durga Puja, the government has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa fish to India.
In a statement on Saturday, the ministry of commerce stated that approval is subject to the exporters meeting certain requirements based on their requests.
Similar to previous years, India wrote a letter on September 11th, in advance of the annual festival, requesting the import of Hilsa from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh had been exporting 5,000 tonnes of hilsa to India on average every year since 1996, according to a letter from Indian traders.
However, for unspecified reasons, the exports stopped in 2012.
The letter stated that Bangladesh has resumed limited exports for Durga Puja under special consideration during the last five years.
Considering the general situation, Indian traders seized the chance to import Hilsa from Bangladesh.
Discussions about Hilsa exports to India gained traction on social media following the political unrest that resulted in the Awami League government’s fall and the interim administration’s assumption of duties, especially after remarks made by Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter.
In an August 11 response to reporters at the Secretariat, Farida stated that Hilsa would only be exported after satisfying domestic demand.
“We will ensure that Hilsa is affordable for our country’s citizens, and exporting without attending to local needs is not an option,” she declared.
She also promised to lower Hilsa’s cost for residents with modest incomes.
Recent media reports detail Hilsa’s arrest during cross-border smuggling attempts.
