Bangladesh Reinstates Hilsa Fish Export to India for Durga Puja

Bangladesh's interim government has decided to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja, reversing an earlier ban. This tradition of fish export during the festival was disrupted earlier this month due to local demand, but appeals from exporters and diplomatic pressure have led to a reconsideration.

Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday announced the decision to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India, aligning with the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations. The move reverses an earlier ban imposed to meet domestic demand.

The Durga Puja festival, celebrated from October 9 to 13, sees a tradition of hilsa fish being exported to India as a goodwill gesture. Earlier this month, the government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus had discontinued this tradition, citing local demand issues.

Due to appeals from exporters and pressure from Indian importers, the commerce ministry has now approved the export under specific conditions. The ministry has urged applicants to contact its relevant wing for export permission. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had maintained this tradition for years. In 2023, Bangladesh allowed 79 companies to export 4,000 tonnes to India for the festival, illustrating the country's status as the world's largest hilsa producer.