Permission granted ‘at India's request’

Bangladesh's commerce ministry has granted permission for hilsa export to India at a special request from the Indian government on occasion of the Durga Puja.
Fisheries and livestock adviser Farida Akhter made this statement in response to questions from journalists during a meeting at the secretariat on Sunday.
"The commerce ministry has independently granted the hilsa export approval," the adviser explained.
"This was in response to a special request from India ahead of the Durga Puja. They acted accordingly and fisheries and livestock ministry has no authority over their decision."
The commerce ministry has approved the export of 3.0 million kgs (3,000 tonnes) of hilsa to India, with shipments beginning on Saturday.
Exporters, however, expressed concerns about completing the shipment of 3.0 million kgs of fish before the Puja, amid rising prices in the domestic market and the upcoming fishing ban in hilsa sanctuaries as part of the conservation programme.
The ministry announced a 22-day ban on hilsa fishing, from October 13 to November 3, to protect the fish during its breeding season.
This ban will apply to fishing in rivers and sanctuaries, as well as the transportation, sales, storage and exchange of hilsa during this period.
Farida Akhter announced the ban during a meeting of the National Task Force Committee held at the secretariat.
The meeting discussed the timing of the ban and the "Mother Hilsa Conservation Campaign 2024," aimed at enhancing hilsa resources and boosting production.
"Hilsa is a gift of nature. We must maintain a delicate balance in its extraction while considering the livelihoods of those who depend on it," Ms Akhter emphasised.
She also said that hilsa, particularly the hilsa from the River Padma, is recognised as a geographical indication (GI) product and is globally renowned for its unique taste.
To prevent illegal fishing and ensure that vessels from neighboring countries do not enter Bangladeshi water, Ms Akhter directed strict monitoring by the Navy, Coast Guard and other authorities.
She also warned of action if hilsa prices surge unreasonably in the domestic market.
The adviser called for a public awareness campaign through radio, TV, print, and online media to ensure compliance with the fishing ban during the breeding season.
She also urged local administrations and law enforcement agencies to strictly monitor the collection, storage and sales of hilsa during the ban period.
Meanwhile, prices of medium-to-large-sized hilsa remained static at their previous highs of Tk 1,400 to 2,350 a kg on Sunday.
The export decision was yet to make any effect on the domestic market, traders said.

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