In a move aimed at easing a Hilsa fish shortage in India and fostering closer ties between the two nations, the Bangladesh government announced on Saturday the approval of 3,000 metric tons of Hilsa fish export to India. This decision comes in anticipation of the 10-day-long Durga Puja celebrations, a significant Hindu festival.
The Bangladesh Commerce Ministry, in a press release, stated that the government’s approval for the Hilsa fish export is in direct response to the upcoming Durga Puja. This decision holds particular importance given the recent scarcity of Hilsa fish in India, leading to soaring prices after the military-backed interim government in Dhaka imposed a ban on Hilsa exports.
The export authorization, signed by Sultana Akhtar, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, is a direct response to requests from various exporters. The statement emphasized that the 3,000-metric-ton export is conditional upon adherence to all prescribed regulations. The ministry directed applicants to submit their requests to the Deputy Secretary of the Exports-2 Branch by noon on September 24, specifying that late submissions would not be accepted. Those who have already submitted their applications need not resubmit.
Hilsa fish, considered the national fish of Bangladesh, is renowned for its exquisite flavor. It is celebrated through dedicated Hilsa festivals held in various supermarkets across Dhaka and enjoys immense popularity in West Bengal, India. The export of Hilsa fish during the Durga Puja festival adds a significant cultural touch to the celebrations, underscoring the strong bond between Bangladesh and India. In recent years, Bangladesh has actively practiced “Hilsa diplomacy,” strategically utilizing the export of this delicacy during the festival to further strengthen its relationship with its neighboring country.
