Bangladesh to Export 3,000 Metric Tons of Hilsa to India for Durga Puja

Bangladesh will export 3,000 metric tons of Hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja. The Commerce Ministry approved this move to meet exporter requests. Applications must be submitted by September 24. Hilsa fish is significant for its cultural ties and taste, enhancing West Bengal’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Bangladesh has announced that it will export 3,000 metric tons of Hilsa fish to India ahead of Durga Puja, the government confirmed on Saturday. The Ministry of Commerce has approved the export in light of the upcoming festival, according to an official release from the Commerce Ministry.

The decision, signed by Sultana Akhtar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, aims to meet the demands of various exporters. The statement specified that the export of 3,000 metric tons of Hilsa fish is contingent on meeting all prescribed conditions. Applicants must submit their requests to the Deputy Secretary of the Exports-2 Branch by noon on September 24. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, and previous applicants need not reapply.

Hilsa fish, the national fish of Bangladesh, is celebrated for its unique flavor and is a central feature of Hilsa festivals in supermarkets across Dhaka. It is also widely popular in West Bengal, India. The export of Hilsa fish brings significant cultural value to the Durga Puja celebrations. In recent years, Bangladesh has engaged in 'Hilsa diplomacy' by allowing exports of this prized fish during the festival, thereby strengthening its ties with India.

(With inputs from agencies.)