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The recent political shift in Bangladesh has led to a reversal in the country's stance on hilsa fish exports to India. After a ban was imposed earlier this month by the caretaker government under Muhammad Younus, the new administration has approved a 3,000 tonne export of hilsa to India. The primary reason for this change is the impending Durga Puja festival, during which demand for hilsa in India is expected to surge.
The decision to allow the export was announced by Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce. The ministry's statement noted that the approval was given in response to appeals from exporters and will be subject to specific conditions. The statement further instructed those seeking permission to export hilsa to contact the relevant wing of the ministry. This move signals a shift in policy, reflecting the importance of catering to the festive needs of the Indian market.
The previous ban on hilsa exports by the caretaker government was attributed to the need to ensure sufficient supply for local consumers in Bangladesh. The ban sparked debate and raised questions about the country's trade relations with India. Hilsa is a prized fish in both countries, with Bangladesh being a major producer, supplying nearly 70% of global hilsa. The fish also holds cultural significance as the national fish of Bangladesh. In 2023, Bangladesh permitted 79 companies to export a total of 4,000 tonnes of hilsa to India.
The history of hilsa exports between the two countries has been marked by political tensions. In 2012, Bangladesh imposed a ban on hilsa exports due to disagreements over the Teesta River water-sharing agreement. The ban resulted in a sharp increase in hilsa prices in the Indian market, fueling smuggling across the border. It was later lifted in 2022 by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recognizing the detrimental impact on the market and trade. This latest development, allowing hilsa exports for Durga Puja, highlights the fluctuating nature of political influence on bilateral trade and the sensitivity surrounding this cherished fish.
Source: Bangladesh reverses hilsa export ban to India, approves 3,000 tonnes of shipment for Durga Puja