Bangladesh Resumes Hilsa Export to India for Durga Puja

The Fish Importers' Association welcomes Bangladesh's interim government decision to export 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India during Durga Puja. This move, reversing a recent ban, satisfies Bengali festive demand and continues a goodwill gesture. The first consignment is expected by September 26 via Petrapole border.

The Fish Importers' Association on Sunday praised Bangladesh's interim government's decision to allow the exportation of over 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India in time for the Durga Puja festivities.

The association described it as a 'good and positive' move, expected to delight the taste buds of Bengalis during the festive season.

'We anticipate the first shipment of Hilsa to reach Kolkata and surrounding areas via the Petrapole border by September 26,' Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood told PTI.

'Even if 500 of the 3,000 tonnes arrive in the initial phase, it would give Hilsa lovers in West Bengal the chance to savor their favorite Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh. We appreciate the interim government's understanding after India's requests,' he added.

Maqsood had previously written to Bangladesh's interim government on September 9, highlighting that limited Hilsa export has been allowed annually during Durga Puja as a goodwill gesture for the past five years.

On Saturday, Bangladesh's interim government announced it would revise its earlier decision and allow 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa export to India for Durga Puja.

This development follows an earlier ban on Hilsa export imposed earlier this month by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus to meet domestic demand, ending a tradition of goodwill by Bangladesh towards its neighboring country.

The approval to export 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa was granted following appeals from exporters, as stated by the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry.

Last year, the deposed Awami League government had permitted the annual export of Hilsa to India between September and October as a gesture of goodwill. Durga Puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 this year.

In 2023, Bangladesh allowed 79 companies to export a total of 4,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India during Durga Puja.

(With inputs from agencies.)