Political Turmoil In Bangladesh Halts Hilsa Fish Imports To India

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posted on 3 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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The supply of Hilsa fish from the Padma River is likely to be disrupted this year. It has left many fish traders in West Bengal disappointed and in despair.

Be it ‘Ilish Paturi’ or ‘Shorshe Ilish’, these dishes are a delicacy in Bengali cuisine. Ilish, aka, Hilsa fish are imported from India’s neighbouring country, Bangladesh, which is facing political turmoil right now, leading to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister and fleeing the country, only to seek refuge in India’s New Delhi. Amid this, it is unlikely that the Hilsa will be imported to the Indian market this year.

The supply of Hilsa fish from the Padma river is likely to be disrupted this year and this has left many fish traders in West Bengal disappointed and in despair. Generally, imported Hilsa used to be sent to India every year as a goodwill gesture by the former PM of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina between August to October. But this year, the political scenario of the country may put restrictions, leaving India with mostly no Hilsa supply.

Generally, there is a huge demand for Padma Hilsa during the monsoon season in Bangladesh. These fishes are majorly relished by the Bengalis of India who enjoy it with steamed rice. It is during this time that fish traders make the most profits from selling. But with military rule in Bangladesh, the import and export between the countries have halted, which means a decline in business for Indian fish traders.

From 2012 onwards, Bangladesh stopped exports of Hilsa fish to ensure that their country’s demand was met first. They also stopped catching small-sized Hilsa. Due to good ties with India, Sheikh Hasina would send consignments of this favourite fish of Bengalis to India as a gift. It would reach West Bengal from Bangladesh via Petrapole border via Bongaon and then it used to be supplied to various parts of the country where the fish is in demand.

As per the Economic Times, just last Durga Puja, Sheikh Hasina had permitted Bangladeshi fish traders to sell about 3,950 tonnes of Padma Hilsa to India. But sadly, looks like this year, it may go missing from Indian cuisine.

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