Bangladesh halts special hilsa exports to India before Durga Puja

Bangladesh has not approved its usual special shipments of hilsa fish to India ahead of Durga Puja, a major festival for Bengali communities in both countries.

Hilsa is prized on both sides of the border, and Bangladesh had previously eased export restrictions to send it to India for the celebrations.

The halt comes amid strained relations following the 2024 uprising that ended former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule; she is now living in New Delhi.

Bangladesh’s new administration is seeking her extradition as a condition for normal relations.

Meanwhile, about 553 tonnes of Indian hilsa entered Bangladesh between July and September, but Bangladesh revoked 103 import licences on Sept.

22.

Many local buyers said the imported fish did not match the flavour and texture of Bangladesh’s own hilsa.

The missing exports underscore the deterioration in relations, while falling catches and concerns about affordability have made the fish a sensitive domestic issue.