Bangladesh Revokes Hilsa Export Ban, Approves 3,000 Tonne Shipment To India Ahead of Durga Puja

Bangladesh's interim government said it would export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India on Saturday (September 21, 2024), coinciding with the upcoming Durga Puja, revising its earlier decision.

Durga puja will be celebrated from October 9, 2024 to October 13, 2024.

The development comes days after the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, earlier this month imposed a ban on hilsa export to India to meet domestic demand, discontinuing a long-standing tradition of Bangladesh as a "goodwill gesture" to its neighbour.

“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.