30-07-2025
Fish Importers Seek Hilsa From Bangladesh Ahead Of Durga Puja, Urge Policy Reforms
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Data from the past six years shows a consistent shortfall in actual exports, with only 15–25 per cent of the permitted quantity being exported in 2023 and 2024
India's fish importers, despite the recent strain in the country's relations with Bangladesh, have formally requested the government of the neighbouring country to allow the export of Hilsa (or Hilsha) fish for the upcoming Durga Puja.
In a letter addressed to the foreign affairs adviser of Bangladesh, the Fish Importers' Association (Kolkata) has urged the government to grant permission for Hilsa exports, highlighting the festival's cultural and culinary importance. The letter also outlines several challenges faced in previous years and proposes policy changes to ensure smoother trade.
Speaking to News18, Anwar Maksud, president of the association, said: 'We are trying our level best to bring Bangladeshi Hilsa to Indian markets this year. As always, the demand during Durga Puja is immense."
The letter notes that while export permits are typically issued ahead of the festival, the full quantity sanctioned is rarely exported. The reasons cited include a short export window (usually 30–45 days), which is insufficient to handle large volumes, as well as the fact that many permit holders are not directly involved in the fish trade and often acquire licenses as political favours or to sell them to actual exporters, creating bottlenecks in the process.
Data from the past six years shows a consistent shortfall in actual exports, with only 15–25 per cent of the permitted quantity being exported in 2023 and 2024. The exceptions were 2019 and 2020, when the full quota was met.
• Flexible export timelines instead of rigid, short deadlines.
• Stricter scrutiny to ensure permits are only granted to genuine industry players.
• Early issuance of permits to allow adequate preparation and logistical planning.
The letter also includes supporting data and trends, pointing out that the gap between permitted and actual exports has widened in recent years. It emphasises that without timely and meaningful reforms, the Padma Hilsa—a delicacy cherished across Bengal—may continue to remain out of reach for many during the festive season.
The association concluded its appeal by congratulating the Bangladesh government on completing one year in office and expressing hope for renewed cooperation and stronger bilateral trade ties.
Given the high demand for Padma Hilsa, it now remains to be seen how Bangladesh responds to this renewed request ahead of Durga Puja.
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First Published:
July 30, 2025, 09:17 IST
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