This decision, announced in an official
statement, aimed at catering to the high demand for Hilsa, a beloved delicacy
among Bengalis.
The Bangladesh Commerce Ministry has
authorized 79 business organizations to export a total of 3,950 tons
of Hilsa to India.
Each exporter will be allowed to export 50
metric tons of this prized fish. The permission is valid until October 30,
2023, as per the official release from the administration led by Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina.
Hilsa, often referred to as the national
fish of Bangladesh, holds a special place in the hearts of fish-loving Bengalis.
It is also one of the country’s export items that boasts the Geographical
Indication (GI) tag, signifying its regional significance and quality.
This decision to allow Hilsa exports to
India follows a request made in 2020 by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Kolkata.
Banerjee urged her Bangladeshi counterpart
to consider lifting the ban on Hilsa exports to India.
In response, Prime Minister Hasina conveyed
that her country would be willing to ease restrictions on Hilsa exports if
India ensures a fair share of water from the Teesta River in North Bengal, a
matter of significance to both nations.
