BANGLADESH LIFTS BAN ON HILSA FOR EXPORT TO INDIA
Bangladesh’s interim government has announced the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India in time for Durga Puja, scheduled from October 9 to 13. This decision reverses an earlier ban aimed at prioritizing domestic demand.
Historically, hilsa exports have been a goodwill gesture between the two countries.
KEY DETAILS
- Export Context: The announcement comes after the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, imposed a ban earlier this month to focus on local consumption. The commerce ministry has now permitted exports due to requests from exporters.
- Goodwill Gesture: The previous Awami League government allowed hilsa exports to India each year around this time, recognizing the fish’s cultural significance during Durga Puja. In 2023, Bangladesh permitted 79 companies to export a total of 4,000 tonnes.
- Bengali Delicacy: Hilsa, known locally as ilish, is a prized fish in Bengali cuisine and culture, making it especially sought after during festivals.
- Political Appeals: India’s Fish Importers Association appealed for the lifting of the ban amid concerns of disruptions due to Bangladesh’s political changes. They highlighted that past bans had been lifted seasonally to meet demand.
ABOUT HILSA FISH
- Species Information: Hilsa belongs to the family Clupeidae and is related to herring. It thrives in both salt and freshwater, migrating from the Bay of Bengal to the Ganges River system for breeding.
- Cultural Significance: Hilsa holds a prestigious place in Bengali culinary traditions and is celebrated during significant events.
- Production: Bangladesh produces approximately 70% of the world’s hilsa, and it is recognized as the national fish.
- Migration Patterns: Hilsa engages in breeding migrations through major river systems like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Classified as “Least Concern,” hilsa is monitored for sustainability by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which assesses species’ conservation statuses globally.
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