KOLKATA/DHAKA: Fish traders in Kolkata had all but given up hope of importing “Padmar ilish” this year, in what seemed like the ultimate red herring due to the political upheaval in Bangladesh . But in a surprise move, the Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt announced on Saturday the approval of 3,000 tonnes of the prized hilsa fish for export to India just in time for Durga puja .
The announcement follows persistent requests from exporters in Bangladesh and Kolkata’s fish traders. Bangladesh, the world’s largest hilsa producer, remains keen to ensure domestic consumers still have access to the fish.
The demand for fresh hilsa from Bangladesh is immense in Bengal. “Some traders are selling frozen hilsa from Myanmar, which lacks the taste of hilsa from the Padma-Meghna river system that connoisseurs in Bengal appreciate,” Fish Importers’ Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood said.
The backdrop of this hilsa diplomacy is complex. Former PM Sheikh Hasina had banned the export of hilsa to India in 2012 after talks over the Teesta water-sharing agreement stalled. While Hasina lifted the ban before Durga puja in 2019, the new political landscape in Bangladesh had led many to believe that hilsa trade was unlikely to resume.
The sudden change of heart sparked both excitement and confusion in Kolkata. “The order is likely to be issued on Sept 25, and the first consignment is expected to reach the city via the Benapole-Petrapole border the next day”, Maqsood said.
Despite the large approved quantity, actual exports may fall short, with Maqsood adding that only around 1,500 tonne might reach India due to past trends. The trade window will remain open until Oct 22, before a 22-day hilsa fishing ban begins to allow the fish to lay eggs.
Traders estimate prices in Kolkata market will hover between Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 a kg, depending on the supply. Resumption of hilsa exports underscores importance of this fish in broader cultural and diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and India. Whether the catch meets expectations remains to be seen, but return of hilsa diplomacy has again bridged borders in time for a festive celebration.
The announcement follows persistent requests from exporters in Bangladesh and Kolkata’s fish traders. Bangladesh, the world’s largest hilsa producer, remains keen to ensure domestic consumers still have access to the fish.
The demand for fresh hilsa from Bangladesh is immense in Bengal. “Some traders are selling frozen hilsa from Myanmar, which lacks the taste of hilsa from the Padma-Meghna river system that connoisseurs in Bengal appreciate,” Fish Importers’ Association secretary Syed Anwar Maqsood said.
The backdrop of this hilsa diplomacy is complex. Former PM Sheikh Hasina had banned the export of hilsa to India in 2012 after talks over the Teesta water-sharing agreement stalled. While Hasina lifted the ban before Durga puja in 2019, the new political landscape in Bangladesh had led many to believe that hilsa trade was unlikely to resume.
The sudden change of heart sparked both excitement and confusion in Kolkata. “The order is likely to be issued on Sept 25, and the first consignment is expected to reach the city via the Benapole-Petrapole border the next day”, Maqsood said.
Despite the large approved quantity, actual exports may fall short, with Maqsood adding that only around 1,500 tonne might reach India due to past trends. The trade window will remain open until Oct 22, before a 22-day hilsa fishing ban begins to allow the fish to lay eggs.
Traders estimate prices in Kolkata market will hover between Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 a kg, depending on the supply. Resumption of hilsa exports underscores importance of this fish in broader cultural and diplomatic relationship between Bangladesh and India. Whether the catch meets expectations remains to be seen, but return of hilsa diplomacy has again bridged borders in time for a festive celebration.
