September 21st 2024.
On Saturday, Bangladesh's interim government announced that it would be exporting 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India, coinciding with the upcoming Durga Puja festival. This decision marks a change from their previous stance, as they had initially banned hilsa export to India in order to meet domestic demand. Led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, the interim government has now revised their decision in response to appeals from exporters and has allowed the export to take place under certain conditions.
Durga Puja, a significant Hindu festival, is set to be celebrated from October 9th to 13th this year. In light of this, the commerce ministry has stated that those seeking export permission should reach out to their relevant department. This move comes after the previous government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had allowed hilsa exports to India during the months of September and October as a goodwill gesture towards their neighbor. This tradition has been in place for many years and is seen as a gesture of goodwill between the two countries.
According to officials, in 2023, Bangladesh had permitted 79 companies to export a total of 4,000 tonnes of hilsa to India during Durga Puja. As the world's largest producer of hilsa, Bangladesh typically restricts its export due to high local demand. However, during the Durga Puja festival, they usually relax the ban to allow for export, as hilsa is a highly coveted delicacy among Bengalis.
Earlier this month, India's Fish Importers Association had appealed to Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain to allow the export of hilsa to India during Durga Puja. This request came amidst uncertainty over the shipments of hilsa this year, following recent unrest and change in government in Bangladesh. In their letter, the Association's secretary, Syed Anwar Maqsood, pointed out that although Bangladesh had imposed a ban on hilsa export in 2012, they have allowed limited export during the first week of September until the end of the Durga Puja festival for the past five years as a gesture of goodwill towards India.
In conclusion, Bangladesh's interim government's decision to export hilsa fish to India during Durga Puja is a reflection of the strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries. By revising their initial ban and permitting the export under specific conditions, they are able to meet domestic demand while also maintaining a tradition of goodwill towards their neighbor.
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