Bangladesh lifts hilsa export ban, approves 3,000 tonnes to India for Durga Puja celebrations

PTC News Desk: The government of Bangladesh has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festival, a significant religious celebration in both countries. The export was greenlit on Saturday, following a recent ban imposed earlier this month after a shift in government leadership in Bangladesh. The decision was confirmed by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce, as reported by The Daily Star.

Hilsa’s Cultural Significance

Hilsa, a much-loved delicacy in both Bangladesh and India, holds particular importance during Durga Puja, when demand for the fish surges. The festival, observed by millions of people, is a time when hilsa is traditionally enjoyed in households and restaurants across both nations.

Prior to the ban, large consignments of Padma ilish (hilsa from the Padma River) were regularly sent to India during Durga Puja as a gesture of goodwill, a practice championed by Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government.

Background of the Ban

The export ban on hilsa was imposed by the caretaker government led by Muhammad Younus following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The Younus administration cited the need to ensure adequate domestic supply of the prized fish as the reason for the halt in exports. Hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, accounts for nearly 70 per cent of global production, making it a symbol of national pride.

History of Export Disputes

Bangladesh had previously banned the export of hilsa to India in 2012 due to tensions surrounding the Teesta River water-sharing agreement. The embargo had significant economic repercussions, leading to a sharp rise in hilsa prices in Indian markets and an increase in smuggling across the India-Bangladesh border. The ban was eventually lifted in 2022 under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, allowing for the resumption of exports.

Current Developments

Despite the recent political transition, the decision to allow 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to be exported in time for Durga Puja signals a continuation of Bangladesh’s cultural and economic ties with India. The move is expected to meet the heightened demand during the festival and reduce potential black-market activities that arise from shortages in the legal supply chain.

With Durga Puja fast approaching, this decision brings relief to Indian consumers and traders who rely on Bangladeshi hilsa for their celebrations. The details of the export arrangements and potential further shipments have yet to be announced, but this gesture is being seen as an important step in maintaining good relations between the two neighboring nations.

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