Reversing ban on hilsa export to India

The export of Hilsa has become a contentious issue in the India-Bangladesh relations. For several consecutive years, Bangladesh has exported Hilsa to India as a gesture of goodwill, a practice that began during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure. However, following the appointment of the interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a temporary ban on Hilsa exports to India was introduced, only to be swiftly reversed. If the interim government fails to uphold its decisions, it will be difficult for the public to trust its statements.

Moreover, the interim government's inconsistent stance on "Hilsa diplomacy" has raised concerns. In the early stages of decision-making, the government should act carefully. It is essential that the interim government communicates clearly with the public, helping them understand the reasons behind its decisions to maintain public trust. The government has vaguely mentioned being bound by certain agreements, but such unclear statements have made the public more sceptical about the reliability of future promises.

From a practical standpoint, the general public should take a more rational approach rather than reacting emotionally. Various conditions and agreements between nations are interconnected, and many of these are not fully known to the public. As citizens, we should prioritise securing our access to our national resources, such as Hilsa. Instead of debating whether we should export Hilsa to India, the focus should shift to increasing production rates, especially as fish breeding is threatened by environmental and human factors. Adequate Hilsa production could resolve this issue altogether.

Fariha Faiza

Student

Bachelor in Business Administration

North South University

[email protected]