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Key Points

Bangladesh has made a special policy decision to export 1200 tonnes of Hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja celebrations. The commerce ministry set a minimum price of $12.50 per kg and requires exporters to submit applications by September 11. This marks a continuation of special festive exports that began in 2019 despite a general ban on Hilsa exports since 2012. The fish will reach Indian markets through the Petrapole-Benapole border for distribution in Kolkata and surrounding areas.

Key Points: Bangladesh Exports 1200 Tonnes Hilsa to India for Durga Puja

  • Bangladesh sets minimum export price at $12.50 per kg for Hilsa shipments
  • Export applications accepted until September 11 with strict documentation requirements
  • Special Durga Puja export permissions granted since 2019 despite 2012 ban
  • Howrah wholesale market prices currently range from Rs 1400-1600 per kilogram
2 min read

Bangladesh allows export of 1,200 tonnes of Hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja

Bangladesh approves 1200 tonnes of Hilsa fish export to India for Durga Puja 2025, setting a minimum price of $12.50 per kg for this special festive shipment.

"The government has taken a policy decision to conditionally export 1,200 metric tons of Hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga Puja - Bangladesh Commerce Ministry"

Dhaka, September 9

Bangladesh has decided to allow the export of 1,200 tonnes of Hilsa fish, locally known as ilish to India ahead of Durga Puja.

"The government has taken a policy decision to conditionally export 1,200 (one thousand two hundred) metric tons of Hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga Puja in the current year 2025," Bangladesh Commerce Ministry said in a notification late on Monday.

"Applications are invited from interested exporters in hard copy during office hours until 5 PM on September 11, 2025," it added.

The notification states that the application must be accompanied by relevant documents including the updated trade license of the exporting company, ERC, income tax certificate, VAT certificate, sales contract, license from the Department of Fisheries.

"The minimum export price of Hilsa per kg has been set by the government at USD 12.50. It is to be noted that those who applied before the publication of the notification will also have to submit a new application," the notification said.

Earlier on September 27, 2024, the first consignment of Bangladesh's 'Padma Hilsa,' weighing around 45-50 tonnes, arrived in West Bengal on Friday morning. Following its arrival, officials hailed it as a much-anticipated import ahead of Durga Puja.

The Bangladeshi interim government exported a total of 2,420 tonnes of Hilsa to India.

The wholesale rate for Hilsa fish at the Howrah wholesale fish market is currently priced at Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,600 per kilogram. This fish, known for its superior taste, crossed the Petrapole-Benapole border and reached the Howrah market, where it was distributed to various retail markets in and around Kolkata.

Since July 2012, Bangladesh had banned the export of Hilsa but has granted special permissions for exports to India during Durga Puja since 2019.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Rs 1,400-1,600 per kg? That's way too expensive for common people. Only the wealthy will enjoy this delicacy while middle-class families have to settle for alternatives.
A
Arjun K
Great gesture by Bangladesh! This shows how cultural and trade ties can strengthen relationships between neighboring countries. More such initiatives needed in South Asia.
S
Sarah B
As someone married into a Bengali family, I've learned how important ilish is during Puja. My in-laws will be thrilled with this news! The traditions around food are so beautiful.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the cultural significance, I hope both governments ensure sustainable fishing practices. We don't want to deplete this precious resource for short-term gains.
M
Meera T
My mother has already started planning the Puja menu! Nothing compares to the authentic Bangladeshi Hilsa cooked in mustard oil. Shubho Bijoya in advance to all! 🎉

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