Decision Nears on Bangladesh Hilsa Exports to India for Durga Puja
Eighteen companies from Bangladesh have asked for permission to export hilsa fish to India. This request comes ahead of the Durga Puja festival. At the same time, India’s Fish Importers Association also wants to import hilsa from Bangladesh.
The Ministry of Commerce in Bangladesh is now checking these requests. It has asked the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for its opinion. The Commerce Ministry wants to know if there is enough hilsa for local demand. A decision on exporting hilsa to India will be made after this opinion is received.
Last year, the Bangladesh government allowed 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to be sent to India. However, only 150 tonnes were actually exported. Md Ataur Rahman Khan, the Commerce Secretary, said a decision will come soon. He hopes the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will give a positive opinion.
This year, Bangladeshi exporters want to export hilsa for a longer time. In previous years, permission was given for only 20 to 25 days. Exporters say this short period makes it hard to finish payment work. It also makes it difficult to prepare and package the fish. They have asked for at least two months, or even permission throughout the year.
Companies from Khulna, Chattogram, Jashore, Dhaka, Barishal, Bhola, and Satkhira are among the applicants.
The Fish Importers Association of India has also made its request. They sent letters to the Prime Minister’s Office and other ministries. They asked for permission by mid-September. The association said Bangladesh used to export about 5,000 tonnes of hilsa to India each year since 1996. After a break, hilsa exports started again in 2019 for Durga Puja.
Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that actual hilsa exports have often been less than the allowed amounts. For example, in 2023, 1,300 tonnes were exported. This was against permission for 3,950 tonnes. In 2024, only 577 tonnes were sent to India, while 2,420 tonnes were allowed.
