In a move that’s become an annual tradition, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce has approved the export of 1,200 tons of hilsa fish to India for the upcoming Durga Puja festival. This decision, announced on Monday, aims to bring a familiar taste of the Padma River to Kolkata’s festivities. The move is particularly notable given the recent shifts in bilateral relations following Sheikh Hasina’s departure, which has impacted trade between the two countries.

Export Details and Guidelines

Bangladeshi exporters who wish to send hilsa to India must submit their applications to the Ministry of Commerce by September 11. To be eligible, they need to provide essential documents, including their trade license, ERC, income tax and VAT certificates, sales agreements, and a license from the Department of Fisheries.

The government has set the export price at $12 per kilogram, which translates to approximately 1,055 Indian rupees.

A Look at Previous Years

This year’s approved quantity is half of what was initially considered last year. In 2024, the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce had initially decided to allow the export of 3,000 tons of hilsa but later reduced the amount to 2,420 tons. A total of 49 companies were granted export permits last year.

Conditions for Export

This year’s order includes the standard conditions that have been in place previously:

• Exporters cannot send more than the approved quantity.
• The export permit cannot be transferred to another party.
• Only authorized exporters can be involved in the shipment.
• The government reserves the right to stop exports at any time.

The yearly tradition of exporting hilsa for Durga Puja highlights the deep cultural ties and “hilsa diplomacy” that continues to connect the two nations, despite political and economic fluctuations.

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