Citizens against lifting export ban on hilsa

Citizens in Bangladesh on Wednesday voiced concern over the government move to lift the ban on hilsa export, claiming it will shoot up the price in the local market. Addressing a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, they observed that the export of the most coveted fish of the country will lead to a shorter supply in the domestic market, and will knock up the price which the lower and the middle income sections of society will not able to afford. The human chain was organised by National Awami Party (NAP-Bhasani). Speaking on the occasion, NAP-Bhasani president Moktab Ahmed Bhasani said, “We are expressing our concerns to the Commerce Minister that the export of hilsa will again increase its price in the local market like before the ban came to effect two years back.” Meanwhile, Deshpremik Janogoner Mancha, a citizen’s platform, organised a press briefing at its office at Paribagh area to protest the government move to lift the ban on hilsa export, according to a news agency.