Kolkata Fish Importers Urge Bangladesh to Lift Hilsa Ban

In an official communication dated Friday, September 11, the Kolkata-based Fish Importers Association reached out directly to the Commerce Minister of Bangladesh. The organization formally requested that the government lift the long-standing restrictions and resume the regular export of Hilsa fish into international markets, specifically targeting the demand originating from West Bengal.

The current export restrictions have a significant history that dates back more than a decade. Specifically, the government of Bangladesh instituted an official and comprehensive ban on all Hilsa fish exports beginning in July 2012. Since that time, the trade of this sought-after fish across the international border has been strictly prohibited under standard commercial conditions.

Despite the rigid framework of the 2012 ban, certain limited exceptions have been introduced in recent years to accommodate traditional festive demands. Records show that starting from September 2019, authorities have permitted Hilsa exports specifically for a designated, special one-month period each year to coincide with the Durga Puja celebrations.

The latest appeal from the Kolkata Fish Importers Association seeks to expand beyond these temporary, seasonal allowances. By addressing the Bangladeshi Commerce Minister directly, the association hopes to initiate a permanent change in policy that would completely remove the overarching export prohibition that has governed the agricultural and seafood trade sector for many years.

As of now, the formal request submitted by the Kolkata Fish Importers Association remains under consideration by the relevant authorities in Bangladesh. Representatives from the importing sector in Kolkata continue to await a formal response regarding whether the government will alter its long-standing stance on Hilsa fish exports beyond the existing annual Durga Puja window.