The Fish Importers’ Association has expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s interim government’s decision to export over 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa fish to India during the upcoming Durga Puja season. This decision is expected to bring joy to the Bengali community, who eagerly anticipate Hilsa, especially during the festive season.
“We expect the first consignment of Hilsa to arrive in markets in Kolkata and its surrounding areas via the Petrapole border by September 26,” said Syed Anwar Maqsood, the secretary of the Fish Importers’ Association, on Sunday. He added, “Even if just 500 tonnes arrive in the first phase, it will allow Hilsa lovers in West Bengal to savour their favourite Padma Hilsa from Bangladesh.”
Maqsood praised the Bangladesh government for understanding the cultural and culinary significance of Hilsa during Durga Puja, noting that the annual export of Hilsa has become a cherished tradition. “We hope the export of Hilsa to India becomes a more regular affair in the coming years,” he said.
The association’s gratitude comes in response to Bangladesh’s interim government revising an earlier decision, which had temporarily banned Hilsa exports to India to prioritize domestic demand. On Saturday, the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry announced that it would export 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India, coinciding with Durga Puja, and approved the export under specific conditions.
Maqsood had previously written to Bangladesh’s interim government on September 9, requesting the continuation of the Hilsa exports during the festive season. For the past five years, Bangladesh has allowed limited quantities of Hilsa to be exported to India as a goodwill gesture, especially during Durga Puja. Last year, Bangladesh permitted 79 companies to export 4,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India.
Durga Puja, which will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 this year, is a significant festival in West Bengal, and the availability of Hilsa is an important cultural marker during the celebrations. The previous Awami League government, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had nurtured the tradition of exporting Hilsa to India as a sign of goodwill, and this gesture is being continued by the current interim government.
Sources By Agencies
