Agartala, Jul 30: In a move that signals the start of Hilsa diplomacy ahead of Durga Puja, Indian fish importers have appealed to the Bangladesh government to allow Hilsa exports without setting a deadline. The request comes as Indian states including Tripura prepare for the upcoming festival, where the demand for Padma Hilsa peaks.
According to sources in Bangladesh’s Commerce Ministry, the Fish Importers Association of India has submitted a formal letter to the country’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, requesting export approval. Copies of the letter have also been sent to Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman.
In the letter, the Indian traders acknowledged, “Last year, your government approved the export of 2,420 metric tonnes of Hilsa to India. For this, the people of this side of Bengal are deeply grateful.” They further stated that Hilsa from the Padma River is a cherished delicacy among fish lovers in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, especially during the festive season of Durga Puja in September–October.
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However, the letter pointed out a recurring issue that has disrupted the flow of exports over the years. Despite the approval of 2,420 metric tonnes in 2023, only 577 metric tonnes were actually exported. “This pattern has been the same for the past six years,” the traders said, blaming the strict export timeframes. “Typically, the full quantity of Hilsa must be exported within 30 to 45 days. For such a large volume, this deadline is not practical.”
Citing past data, the traders noted that in 2019, all 500 metric tonnes approved were successfully exported. In 2020, 1,850 metric tonnes were approved and fully delivered. But in 2021, of 4,600 metric tonnes approved, only 1,200 metric tonnes reached India. In 2022, 2,900 metric tonnes were approved, and only 1,300 were exported. The same quantity—1,300 metric tonnes—was exported in 2023, despite a larger approval of 3,950 metric tonnes.
“Every year, a significant portion of the approved Hilsa goes unexported,” the traders wrote. “Therefore, we respectfully request that this year’s export approval come without any deadline.”
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Speaking to reporters, Syed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary of the Fish Importers Association, said, “We submit this request to the Bangladesh government every year. Since Durga Puja is in September this time, timely arrangements for fish supply are essential. This year, we have specially asked them not to impose a time limit on Hilsa exports.”