Agartala, Sept 10: Bengali fish lovers across West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura can breathe a sigh of relief as India will import 1,200 tons of the prized Padma hilsa from Bangladesh for this year’s (2025) Durga Puja celebrations, though the allocation represents a significant reduction from last year’s (2024) quota of 2,420 tons.
According to an order issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce on Monday, the neighbouring country has approved India’s request for conditional hilsa imports, continuing the annual tradition that has become synonymous with Durga Puja festivities. “The government has set a minimum export price of $12.50 per kilogram of hilsa fish,” the ministry order stated, establishing pricing parameters for the coveted fish, which holds special cultural significance during the Bengali festival season.
However, this year’s import allocation marks a dramatic departure from recent trends. It is learned that Bangladesh initially planned to allow 3,000 tons last year before eventually settling on 2,420 tons and approving 49 institutions for the trade. The current decision to reduce the quantity by half reflects ongoing challenges in the bilateral fish trade.
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Meanwhile, the import process requires specific documentation from Bangladeshi suppliers. According to Bangladesh’s ministry directive, “interested exporters can apply in hard copy during office hours on September 11,” accompanied by updated trade licenses, Export Registration Certificates, income tax certificates, VAT certificates, sales contracts, and licenses from the Department of Fisheries. The order further stipulates that “those who have already applied without invitation must resubmit their applications under the new process.”
Moreover, the import arrangement includes stringent conditions. The ministry order clearly states that suppliers must not export “more hilsa than the approved quantity,” cannot “transfer permits under any circumstances,” and are prohibited from “sub-contracting exports to unauthorized exporters.” Bangladesh has reserved the right to “halt exports at any time,” maintaining standard safeguards.
The reduced import allocation addresses chronic underperformance in delivery completion rates that have affected Indian markets. According to data provided by India’s Fish Importer Association in their formal request to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, actual imports have consistently fallen short of approved quantities over the past six years.
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It is learned that despite receiving approval for 2,420 metric tons last year, Indian markets received only 577 metric tons. This pattern has been consistent since 2021, when 4,600 tons were approved for import but only 1,200 tons reached Indian markets. Similarly, in 2022, approved imports of 2,900 tons resulted in actual deliveries of 1,300 tons, while 2023 saw only 1,300 tons imported against an approved quota of 3,950 tons.
However, the import record was more successful during the post-resumption period. According to historical data, when hilsa imports resumed in September 2019 after a prolonged suspension, Indian markets received the entire approved quantity of 500 tons. In 2020, all 1,850 tons of approved imports were successfully delivered to India.
Meanwhile, India’s Fish Importer Association has attributed the persistent import shortfalls to restrictive time limitations. In their formal request to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, the association stated, “The time limitations imposed on export permits, typically requiring completion of exports within 30 to 45 days, prove insufficient for such substantial volumes.” They expressed gratitude for last year’s allocation, noting that “the people of Epar Bangla are deeply grateful to you” for the previous year’s hilsa imports.
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Moreover, Indian importers have requested Bangladesh to consider removing time restrictions entirely. “We advise and request that you consider allowing hilsa fish exports without any time restrictions,” their letter stated, arguing that this would enable better utilization of approved quotas for Indian consumers who eagerly await the annual hilsa availability during Durga Puja.
According to the Indian importers’ letter, “Padma hilsa is considered a delicacy for fish enthusiasts in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura,” representing a cherished tradition that connects Bengali communities during the festival season.