Indian fish importers on Friday (September 11) asked Bangladesh to revoke the export ban on the queen of fishes, Hilsa, ahead of Durga Puja. A Kolkata-based importer association wrote a letter to the Bangladesh Commerce Minister demanding permission to resume exports. The Fish Importers' Association made the request, with Bangladesh considering it positively. The union group describes itself as an association for fish connoisseurs from beyond borders In its letter, the association pointed to its decades-long trade ties with Bangladesh, noting that it has been importing Hilsa fish through land customs posts in West Bengal and Tripura since 1996. "We would like to inform you that since the year 1996 we have been engaged in importing Hilsa Fish from Bangladesh via Benapole LCS (West Bengal, India) and Akhaura LCS (Tripura, India)," the importer association said in the letter.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/september-11-terror-attack-x-user-to-give-minute-by-minute-live-coverage-1789131795241">X user to give minute-by-minute, 'live coverage' of 9/11 attacks 25 years later</a><h3>Bangladesh bans export of Hilsa fish in 2012</h3>The association also highlighted the ban Bangladesh imposed in 2012, noting that it had continuously approached the government seeking its removal. "Unfortunately, in July 2012, the Government of Bangladesh banned the export of Hilsa fish. Since then we have been actively writing to the Government of Bangladesh for lifting the ban, but to no avail," it added. The letter explained that Bangladesh later began permitting a limited quantity of Hilsa exports around Durga Puja starting in September 2019, but that this arrangement has proven unworkable because of the narrow timeframe involved. Since then, Bangladeshi authorities have granted special export clearance for Hilsa only during the Durga Puja season, restricting it to a single month, a window the association says is simply too short to be practical. According to news agency ANI, the importers also stressed the deep cultural, linguistic and culinary bonds shared across the two Bengals, along with how much Hilsa is loved in eastern India. "We would also like to inform you that 'Aiee paarer Baangla' shares a very special relation with 'Oyee paarer Baangla' since the language, food and culture are almost the same. The connoisseurs of fish from West Bengal, Assam and Tripura go haywire for their favourite delicacy, Poddar ilish," the association said.

The Fish Importers' Association pointed to its decades-long trade ties with Bangladesh, noting that it has been importing Hilsa fish through land customs posts in West Bengal and Tripura since 1996.

Indian fish importers on Friday (September 11) asked Bangladesh to revoke the export ban on the queen of fishes, Hilsa, ahead of Durga Puja. A Kolkata-based importer association wrote a letter to the Bangladesh Commerce Minister demanding permission to resume exports. The Fish Importers' Association made the request, with Bangladesh considering it positively. The union group describes itself as an association for fish connoisseurs from beyond borders In its letter, the association pointed to its decades-long trade ties with Bangladesh, noting that it has been importing Hilsa fish through land customs posts in West Bengal and Tripura since 1996. "We would like to inform you that since the year 1996 we have been engaged in importing Hilsa Fish from Bangladesh via Benapole LCS (West Bengal, India) and Akhaura LCS (Tripura, India)," the importer association said in the letter. Also read: X user to give minute-by-minute, 'live coverage' of 9/11 attacks 25 years later Bangladesh bans export of Hilsa fish in 2012 The association also highlighted the ban Bangladesh imposed in 2012, noting that it had continuously approached the government seeking its removal. "Unfortunately, in July 2012, the Government of Bangladesh banned the export of Hilsa fish. Since then we have been actively writing to the Government of Bangladesh for lifting the ban, but to no avail," it added. The letter explained that Bangladesh later began permitting a limited quantity of Hilsa exports around Durga Puja starting in September 2019, but that this arrangement has proven unworkable because of the narrow timeframe involved. Since then, Bangladeshi authorities have granted special export clearance for Hilsa only during the Durga Puja season, restricting it to a single month, a window the association says is simply too short to be practical. According to news agency ANI, the importers also stressed the deep cultural, linguistic and culinary bonds shared across the two Bengals, along with how much Hilsa is loved in eastern India. "We would also like to inform you that 'Aiee paarer Baangla' shares a very special relation with 'Oyee paarer Baangla' since the language, food and culture are almost the same. The connoisseurs of fish from West Bengal, Assam and Tripura go haywire for their favourite delicacy, Poddar ilish," the association said.

The Fish Importers' Association pointed to its decades-long trade ties with Bangladesh, noting that it has been importing Hilsa fish through land customs posts in West Bengal and Tripura since 1996.

Indian importers urge Bangladesh to lift export ban on 'Hilsa' fish ahead of Durga Puja

Bangladesh has resumed its export of Hilsa fish to India, allowing for the shipment of 3,000 tonnes ahead of the festive season.

Recently, 45 tonnes of this prized white-fleshed fish arrived in Kolkata, drawing hundreds of locals to the Howrah wholesale fish market. This export comes in response to the heightened demand during the Durga puja celebrations, a major Hindu festival celebrated in Kolkata, where Hilsa holds cultural significance.

Earlier this month, the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, imposed a ban on Hilsa exports due to political turmoil. However, after negotiations and requests from Indian fish traders, the government lifted the ban to meet local demand.

The decision to export 3,000 tonnes aims to stabilise prices, which had skyrocketed from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 per kilogram in India due to the previous ban, causing a significant impact on consumers. Fish sellers had also voiced concerns over rising pressures.

Mohammad Zeeshan Alam, a fish seller, spoke to AFP and said, "The ban has had a huge impact on business. Earlier, when fish used to come in large quantities, the prices were lower, so customers would buy in slightly larger amounts. Now, with limited supply and higher prices, only a few people are able to purchase."

Hilsa fish is a culinary favourite and an essential part of cultural traditions on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border. The fish, known as the national fish of Bangladesh, plays a pivotal role in trade and diplomacy between the two nations.

Chandan Kumar Mandal, another fish seller, said, “Every year, there used to be a demand for Hilsa from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Hilsa is famous because there is a difference in taste compared to Indian Hilsa. However, this year, we didn’t get Hilsa from Bangladesh, and even in India, there hasn't been much Hilsa this year."

Historically, Bangladesh exports around 5,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India annually, particularly during festive seasons. With this recent export, traders anticipate a reduction in prices to benefit consumers and bolster market stability during the upcoming Durga puja celebrations.

Bangladesh has resumed its export of Hilsa fish to India, allowing for the shipment of 3,000 tonnes ahead of the festive season. Recently, 45 tonnes of this prized white-fleshed fish arrived in Kolkata, drawing hundreds of locals to the Howrah wholesale fish market.

Bangladesh has resumed its export of Hilsa fish to India, allowing for the shipment of 3,000 tonnes ahead of the festive season. Recently, 45 tonnes of this prized white-fleshed fish arrived in Kolkata, drawing hundreds of locals to the Howrah wholesale fish market. This export comes in response to the heightened demand during the Durga puja celebrations, a major Hindu festival celebrated in Kolkata, where Hilsa holds cultural significance. Earlier this month, the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, imposed a ban on Hilsa exports due to political turmoil. However, after negotiations and requests from Indian fish traders, the government lifted the ban to meet local demand. The decision to export 3,000 tonnes aims to stabilise prices, which had skyrocketed from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 per kilogram in India due to the previous ban, causing a significant impact on consumers. Fish sellers had also voiced concerns over rising pressures. Mohammad Zeeshan Alam, a fish seller, spoke to AFP and said, "The ban has had a huge impact on business. Earlier, when fish used to come in large quantities, the prices were lower, so customers would buy in slightly larger amounts. Now, with limited supply and higher prices, only a few people are able to purchase." Hilsa fish is a culinary favourite and an essential part of cultural traditions on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border. The fish, known as the national fish of Bangladesh, plays a pivotal role in trade and diplomacy between the two nations. Chandan Kumar Mandal, another fish seller, said, “Every year, there used to be a demand for Hilsa from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi Hilsa is famous because there is a difference in taste compared to Indian Hilsa. However, this year, we didn’t get Hilsa from Bangladesh, and even in India, there hasn't been much Hilsa this year." Historically, Bangladesh exports around 5,000 tonnes of Hilsa to India annually, particularly during festive seasons. With this recent export, traders anticipate a reduction in prices to benefit consumers and bolster market stability during the upcoming Durga puja celebrations.

Thousands flock to Kolkata markets as Hilsa exports from Bangladesh resume

Bangladesh has reversed the hilsa fish export ban and has approved the export of 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of&nbsp;the occasion of Durga Puja, Dhaka's commerce ministry announced in a statement on Saturday (Sep 21), as reported by Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star.&nbsp;

The applicants have been advised to contact the relevant wing of the ministry to obtain export permissions, the statement read.&nbsp;

“Against the backdrop of appeals by the exporters, approval has been given to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish (to India), fulfilling the specific conditions on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja,” the commerce ministry said in a statement.

Earlier, the Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, decided to go against exporting hilsa to India this year to boost domestic supply.&nbsp;

<a>Watch |&nbsp;Bangladesh halts Hilsa fish exports to India</a>

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In 2023, Bangladesh's commerce&nbsp;permitted 79 companies to export 50 tonnes of hilsa each, making it around 4000 tonnes, to India, on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Durga puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13.

During the period of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the export of hilsa was allowed to India between September and October every year as a goodwill gesture.&nbsp;

India’s Fish Importers Association, earlier this month, urged Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain to allow the export of hilsa to India during Durga Puja, amid uncertainty over the shipments of the fish this year following unrest and change of government in the country.

<h2>Yunus govt asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz</h2>

Earlier this month, the country's interim government in Bangladesh asked Hindus in the country not to play musical instruments as part of Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azan, the country's local media reports stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muhammad-yunus-led-govt-in-bdesh-asks-hindus-to-pause-durga-puja-music-during-namaz-azan-758110">Also read:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muhammad-yunus-led-govt-in-bdesh-asks-hindus-to-pause-durga-puja-music-during-namaz-azan-758110">Bangladesh: Yunus govt asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz and azan</a>

"Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azan," Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh has reversed the hilsa fish export ban and has approved the export of 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the occasion of Durga Puja, Dhaka's commerce ministry announced in a statement on Saturday (Sep 21), as reported by Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star.

Bangladesh has reversed the hilsa fish export ban and has approved the export of 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the occasion of Durga Puja, Dhaka's commerce ministry announced in a statement on Saturday (Sep 21), as reported by Bangladesh-based newspaper The Daily Star. The applicants have been advised to contact the relevant wing of the ministry to obtain export permissions, the statement read. “Against the backdrop of appeals by the exporters, approval has been given to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish (to India), fulfilling the specific conditions on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja,” the commerce ministry said in a statement. Earlier, the Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, decided to go against exporting hilsa to India this year to boost domestic supply. Watch | Bangladesh halts Hilsa fish exports to India × In 2023, Bangladesh's commerce permitted 79 companies to export 50 tonnes of hilsa each, making it around 4000 tonnes, to India, on the occasion of Durga Puja. Durga puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13. During the period of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the export of hilsa was allowed to India between September and October every year as a goodwill gesture. India’s Fish Importers Association, earlier this month, urged Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain to allow the export of hilsa to India during Durga Puja, amid uncertainty over the shipments of the fish this year following unrest and change of government in the country. Yunus govt asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz Earlier this month, the country's interim government in Bangladesh asked Hindus in the country not to play musical instruments as part of Durga Puja celebrations during namaz and azan, the country's local media reports stated. Also read: Bangladesh: Yunus govt asks Hindus to pause Durga Puja music during namaz and azan "Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azan," Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh reverses hilsa export ban, to send 3,000 tonnes of fish to India for Durga Puja

Farida Akhter, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, announced that no Ilish fish will be exported to India for Durga Puja this year. She also stated that the government will not import meat to protect local farmers.

Bangladesh halts Hilsa fish exports to India

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