Bangladesh Lifts Hilsa Export Ban To India For Durga Puja, To Send 3,000 Tonnes Of Hilsa Fish

Bangladesh’s interim government announced plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja, set from October 9 to 13. This comes after exports were banned from prioritising domestic demand, disrupting the tradition of sending hilsa to India as a goodwill gesture.

Hilsa Fish Ban Lifted For Durga Puja

Hilsa, or Ilish, is more than just a fish in the Bengal region. For Bengalis, it is an irreplaceable part of life, often enjoyed during significant cultural and religious celebrations. Bangladesh’s interim government announced plans to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja, set from October 9 to 13. This comes after a period where exports were banned to prioritise domestic demand. The decision to resume exports is timely, as hilsa holds cultural significance in both countries, especially during the festival season. The resumption of hilsa exports to India allows the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa.

The Awami League government, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, permitted hilsa exports to India each year between September and October as a goodwill gesture. Bangladesh, the world’s largest producer of hilsa fish, usually limits its exports due to strong domestic demand. However, the country often relaxes these restrictions around Durga Puja, as hilsa is a highly sought-after delicacy among Bengalis.

Earlier this month, India’s Fish Importers Association appealed to Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, seeking approval for exports during the festival. This request comes amid concerns about potential disruptions in fish shipments this year, following political unrest and a change in government in Bangladesh.

Also Read: From Mughals To British, How Hilsa Fish Still Remains The Iconic Delicacy Of Rainy Season Feasts

Importance Of Hilsa In Bengali Culture

The cultural significance of hilsa reaches its peak during Durga Puja. For many Bengali households, hilsa is an indispensable part of these celebrations. Its presence on the dinner table is inevitable. Historically, being home to most of the world’s hilsa catch, Bangladesh has exported the fish to India, especially during the festive season. The act of sending hilsa to India during Durga Puja has become a symbolic gesture of goodwill. Whether steamed, fried, or cooked in mustard sauce (shorshe ilish), the fish holds a deep-rooted place in Bengali cuisine.

This announcement is expected to bring joy to millions of Bengalis on both sides of the border.

Cover image credits: Canva