Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Gujarat Hilsa Enters Bangladesh, But Fails Taste Test
Hilsa is a fish that many people in Bangladesh love to eat.
Recently, fish from Gujarat in India was brought into Bangladesh.
Some sellers reportedly told customers that it was the famous Padma hilsa from Bangladesh.
Buyers said the Gujarat fish was often bigger and cheaper, but did not taste the same.
Some people also said it broke apart when they fried it.
Bangladesh stopped official hilsa imports from India on 23 September.
A fish association said some Gujarat fish may still have entered through illegal routes.
Many shoppers and traders preferred the taste of Bangladesh’s own hilsa.
Consumers in Bangladesh said Gujarat hilsa lacked the sweetness, aroma, and texture of Padma hilsa.
Reports said 553 tonnes of Gujarat hilsa entered Bangladesh through Benapole between 20 July and 20 September.
Bangladesh halted hilsa imports from India on 23 September and cancelled 103 importer no-objection certificates.
Some traders allegedly sold Gujarat hilsa as Padma hilsa, prompting consumer confusion and complaints.
Traders turned to Gujarat fish after Bangladesh’s domestic hilsa catch declined, but some found the fish unprofitable.
- Who
- Bangladeshi consumers, fish traders, and importers were involved, along with Gujarat hilsa from India.
- What
- Gujarat hilsa entered Bangladesh, was allegedly sold as Padma hilsa in some cases, and faced criticism over its taste and texture.
- When
- Imports were halted on 23 September; 553 tonnes reportedly entered between 20 July and 20 September.
- Where
- The fish appeared in markets in Dhaka and entered Bangladesh through Benapole; illegal arrivals were alleged through the Sundarbans border area.
- Why
- Traders sought cheaper fish and additional supply after Bangladesh’s domestic hilsa catch declined.
Gujarat Hilsa Supporters
Bangladesh Hilsa Critics
Price and availability
Gujarat Hilsa Supporters
Traders turned to Gujarat hilsa because it was cheaper and available when Bangladesh’s domestic supply declined.
Bangladesh Hilsa Critics
Consumers and some traders said the fish could not replace the quality and flavor associated with Bangladeshi hilsa.
Product identity
Gujarat Hilsa Supporters
Some sellers promoted the Gujarat fish as Padma hilsa, helping it reach consumers who wanted the prized Bangladeshi variety.
Bangladesh Hilsa Critics
Consumers objected after discovering that fish allegedly sold as Padma hilsa tasted different.
Import policy
Gujarat Hilsa Supporters
Importers and traders used cross-border supplies to maintain hilsa availability in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Hilsa Critics
Bangladesh halted official Indian hilsa imports, while a fishery association alleged that some shipments continued through illegal routes.
- Reported imports
- 553 tonnes entered Bangladesh through Benapole between 20 July and 20 September.
- Import decision
- Bangladesh halted hilsa imports from India on 23 September.
- Cancelled approvals
- Authorities cancelled 103 no-objection certificates issued to importers.
- Reported price
- Gujarat hilsa was sold at about Tk 1,200 per kilogram.
- Additional charges
- Taxes and other charges were reported at Tk 250 per kilogram.
- Consumer response
- Consumers described Gujarat hilsa as cheaper and larger but inferior in sweetness, aroma, and texture.
- Illegal-entry claim
- The Bangladesh Marine Fishery Association claimed around 75 tonnes entered through the Sundarbans border area after the import halt.