Hilsa Imports Likely To Be Hit As Bangladesh To Impose Fish Catching Ban After Allowing 4000 MT Export

Bangladesh allowed export of 4000 metric tonnes of Hilsa fish but ordered a fish-catching ban with effect from October 12.

Bangladesh ordered a fish-catching ban which would affect Hilsa imports in India/Representational Image

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Hilsa imports to India are likely to see a fall despite the Bangladesh government allowing traders to sell nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of the fish due to Dhaka’s “fish catching ban”. As per an ANI report, the Fish Importers’ Association in Kolkata alleged that the neighbouring country will not export more than 1,000 metric tons of ‘Poddar Illish’ as a “fish catching ban'' is to be implemented there with effect from October 12. The export of Hilsa was allowed by the Bangladesh government after receiving a request from the Association ahead of Durga Puja. 

But the commerce ministry of the Bangladesh government imposed a fish-catching ban the same day, said Syed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary Fish Importers' Association. 

"On September 20, the Bangladesh Commerce Ministry issued a notice (to export Hilsa fish till October 30). We had 40 days to import Hilsa. On the same day, Bangladesh's fishing department announced the annual fish caching ban, which will be implemented with effect from October 12. This means that we have only 22 days, instead of 40," Maqsood told ANI. 

"I am sure that a maximum 700-800 metric tonnes or 1000 metric tonnes to an extent Hilsa can be imported in these 22 days and not more than that," he added.

Bangladesh’s commerce ministry had given the nod to 79 business organisations to export 3,950 metric tonnes of Hilsa fish to India. 

The order will remain valid till October 30, as per the official release by the Sheikh Hasina administration. 

Hilsa from the Padma river in Bangladesh is a much sought-after fish in Bengal and among fish lovers. Often called the "Queen of Fish", Hilsa or Ilish is the most popular fish among Bengalis.

Maqsood, however, said this was not the first time the Bangladesh government will export fewer metric tonnes of the fish, saying the same happened last year too. 

“They promised us 2,900 metric tonnes of, but we could import only 1,300 metric tonnes,” he said.

We have written a letter to the Bangladesh commerce ministry and High Commission to allow the fish imports after the ban is relaxed on November 2, he added.