Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Indian Importers Seek Bangladesh Hilsa Exports Ahead of Durga Puja
Indian fish importers want Bangladesh to send more Hilsa fish before Durga Puja.
Hilsa is a popular fish in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.
The importers say people on both sides of Bengal share similar languages, food, and culture.
They have traded Hilsa from Bangladesh since 1996.
Bangladesh stopped exporting Hilsa in July 2012.
Since 2019, it has sometimes allowed exports for only a short period during Durga Puja.
The importers say this short period does not work well for their businesses.
They have asked Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister to remove the ban.
Bangladesh is reportedly considering the request positively.
India’s Fish Importers’ Association urged Bangladesh to lift its Hilsa export ban before Durga Puja.
The association said it has imported Hilsa through West Bengal and Tripura since 1996.
Bangladesh banned Hilsa exports in July 2012 but later allowed limited shipments during Durga Puja.
Importers said the one-month export window introduced in 2019 was insufficient for trade.
Bangladesh permitted 1,200 tonnes in September 2025 and 2,420 tonnes in September 2026, while considering the latest request positively.
- Who
- The Fish Importers’ Association in India and the Bangladesh government.
- What
- Indian importers asked Bangladesh to lift its Hilsa export ban or resume broader exports ahead of Durga Puja.
- When
- The request came ahead of Durga Puja; Bangladesh banned exports in July 2012 and introduced limited festive permissions from September 2019.
- Where
- The trade involves Bangladesh and Indian markets, particularly West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, through land customs stations.
- Why
- Importers cited strong cultural and culinary ties and demand for Hilsa during Durga Puja.
- Fish
- Hilsa, also called Ilish in the article
- Export ban
- Bangladesh imposed the ban in July 2012
- Earlier trade
- The association said it had imported Hilsa since 1996
- Limited permission
- Bangladesh began allowing special exports during Durga Puja from September 2019
- 2025 allocation
- Bangladesh permitted 1,200 tonnes of Hilsa exports in September 2025
- 2026 allocation
- Bangladesh permitted 2,420 tonnes of Hilsa exports in September 2026
- Current position
- Bangladesh is considering the importers’ request positively, according to the article