Kolkata, September 21: The prized Padma Hilsa is set to make a comeback on Bengali plates this Durga Puja, as the interim government in Bangladesh reverses its earlier stance and approves the export of 3,000 metric tons of the fish to India.
In recent years, Bangladesh’s traditional gesture of sending Hilsa for the festival had been suspended, causing disappointment among fish lovers in Bengal. However, the despair ended with the announcement that the fish would once again cross the border, delighting Hilsa enthusiasts on this side.
On Saturday, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce issued a notification approving the export of 3,000 metric tons of Hilsa to India for Durga Puja. The approval, signed by Deputy Secretary (Export) Sultana Akhter, was granted following appeals from the Fish Importers’ Association of Kolkata.
“The export approval is based on appeals made by Indian exporters, subject to certain conditions,” the notification stated. Exporters must submit their applications by the afternoon of September 24 to the Deputy Secretary (export) in Dhaka.
Fish importers in Kolkata and clearing agents expect the first batch of the coveted fish to arrive through the Petrapole land port in North 24 Parganas by the weekend.
“It’s great news. We are thankful to the Bangladesh government for responding positively to our appeal, bringing joy to the people of Bengal,” said a representative of the Fish Importers’ Association.
Earlier this year, the interim government in Bangladesh had halted Hilsa exports to India, citing the need to boost domestic supply. The decision was seen as a shift from the previous government’s policies under Sheikh Hasina, who had allowed limited exports around Durga Puja since 2020, despite a broader export ban introduced in 2012.
This time, the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, initially decided to stop exports entirely, citing the need to make Hilsa more affordable for the Bangladeshi public, as it had become a delicacy only the wealthy could afford. However, sources suggest the export ban was partly motivated by growing anti-India sentiment following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.
Following the political unrest that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, the interim administration decided to stop the export of Hilsa to India. Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhter announced the decision.
Despite pressure from within Bangladesh to keep Hilsa for domestic consumption, the Yunus government appears to have reconsidered, recognizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with India.
Since taking charge, the interim government in Bangladesh has been facing increasing domestic pressure to halt Hilsa exports, particularly because it made the fish too expensive for locals. The interim government’s stand marks a clear departure from deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s renowned “Hilsa diplomacy” with India.
“It is not clear how much the ban on export to India would have reduced the price, but the news made a section of people happy”, a Bangladeshi Hilsa exporter said.
But, what led the interim government to change its mind?
“The approval not just accorded respecting the appeal of the Indian fish importers, rather this time also Yunus government does not want to take risks. It has become clear to the interim government that the growing anti-India sentiment among a large section of people, despite its dependence on the big neighbor would not eventually benefit the country”, a Bangladeshi importer said.
“India’s decision to continue onion exports to Bangladesh, despite a global shortage, may have influenced this decision,” said a Bangladeshi importer. “India supplies up to 800,000 tons of onions to Bangladesh annually, and the interim government likely didn’t want to jeopardize this relationship.”
Kartick Chakraborty, Secretary of the Petrapole Clearing Agents Staff Welfare Association, welcomed the decision as a step toward restoring the bond between the two nations. “There were concerns that relations with India had soured after Sheikh Hasina’s exit, but this move will help rebuild trust,” he said.
However, Chakraborty expressed caution, recalling that last year only 1,300 metric tons of Hilsa were delivered out of an approved 3950 MT, with Bangladesh citing the start of the breeding season as the reason for halting shipments. “I hope the same issue doesn’t arise this time,” he added.
The impending arrival of Bangladeshi Hilsa has already sparked hopes of a price drop. Currently, Hilsa weighing over 1 kg, brought in through unofficial channels, is sold for around ₹2,000 per kg. “We expect prices to fall once the first consignment arrives next week,” a member of the Fish Importers’ Association said.