Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Bangladesh Halts Hilsa Imports, Likely Blocking Durga Puja Exports
Hilsa is a popular fish eaten by many people in Bangladesh and India.
Bangladesh usually sends some Hilsa to India before the Durga Puja festival.
This year, Bangladesh is not expected to send Hilsa to India.
Bangladesh has also stopped bringing Hilsa in from India.
Officials reportedly cancelled all import permits on September 23.
Fish traders in Kolkata say there is no longer enough time to arrange imports.
The change comes after India sent 500 metric tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh.
The article does not give a reason for Bangladesh’s decision.
Bangladesh is unlikely to export Hilsa to India during this Durga Puja season.
Bangladesh has also stopped importing Hilsa from India.
All permits for Hilsa imports were reportedly cancelled through a September 23 circular.
The decision breaks from Bangladesh’s annual practice of permitting Hilsa exports before Durga Puja.
India exported 500 metric tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh several weeks earlier.
- Who
- The Bangladesh government, Indian fish traders, and fish traders in Kolkata.
- What
- Bangladesh has stopped importing Hilsa from India and is unlikely to export Hilsa to India for Durga Puja.
- When
- During this Durga Puja season; import permits were cancelled through a circular dated September 23.
- Where
- The trade involves Bangladesh and India, with the impact discussed by traders in Kolkata and the Howrah wholesale fish market.
- Why
- The articles do not state why Bangladesh stopped the imports or is unlikely to authorize exports.
- Expected exports
- Bangladesh is unlikely to export Hilsa to India during this Durga Puja season.
- Imports
- Bangladesh has stopped importing Hilsa from India.
- Permit cancellation
- All permits were reportedly cancelled through a circular on September 23.
- Earlier Indian shipment
- India exported 500 metric tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh several weeks earlier.
- Usual practice
- Bangladesh typically announces an export amount and time window before Durga Puja.
- Trader assessment
- Fish traders said time had run out to arrange imports.