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The Bangladesh interim government's decision to ban the export of hilsa fish to India ahead of Durga Puja has sparked a wave of speculation, with some attributing the move to growing anti-India sentiment following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while others claim it's a purely economic measure aimed at controlling prices. This ban, which will undoubtedly dampen Durga Puja celebrations for Bengalis, marks the end of the long-standing practice of 'hilsa diplomacy' between the two nations.
While the interim government cites the need to make hilsa affordable for low-income Bangladeshis as the primary reason behind the ban, many observers point to the timing and the political climate in Bangladesh as evidence of a more complex motive. The ban comes on the heels of Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure to India, an event that has triggered widespread discontent and calls for her return among certain segments of the Bangladeshi population. This context has led some to believe that the ban serves as a political tool to appease those who hold anti-India sentiments.
The impact of the hilsa ban will be felt most keenly by Bengalis, who consider the fish a staple dish during Durga Puja. With supplies dwindled, prices are expected to soar, placing a significant burden on middle-class families. The ban has also brought to an end the tradition of hilsa diplomacy, which was initiated by Sheikh Hasina in 1996. Over the years, she used hilsa as a symbol of goodwill and fostered closer ties with India by gifting the fish to various Indian dignitaries. However, the current political climate in Bangladesh has seemingly brought an abrupt end to this symbolic gesture.
The ban on hilsa export highlights the intricate relationship between Bangladesh and India, a relationship that is often marked by both cooperation and tension. While the interim government insists that the ban is purely economic in nature, the timing and context suggest that the move may also be a reflection of the broader political landscape in Bangladesh. The ban's impact on Durga Puja celebrations and the end of hilsa diplomacy serve as a reminder of the complexities of the relationship between these two neighboring nations.
Source: Dhaka dampener ahead of Durga Puja: Are anti-India feelings behind Bangladesh’s hilsa export ban?