Adviser to the interim government on the finance and commerce ministries Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said that the decision to export hilsa fish to India was taken after making deep consideration and also for the greater interest.
“I can assure… the decision was taken after making deep consideration. And I’ve got heavy appreciation for this,” he said, adding that the decision was made following directives from higher authorities, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise.
“One responsible person earlier said that hilsa would not be exported, but now much bigger and higher responsible (individual/authority) has asked us to proceed,” Salehuddin told reporters at his office at the secretariat in Dhaka, addressing the apparent reversal of the initial stance.
He said, “I think that the decision was taken for greater interest. Yes, some people may face some problems. But, I don’t think that it is harmful on bigger scale. In the long run, it will bring positive results.”
The adviser also said that both Bangladesh and India want to stay as neighbouring countries and also want to continue cooperation.
In this connection, he mentioned that Bangladesh is importing onion from India. “They (India) also reduced duties for onion.”
Earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar had firmly stated that Bangladesh would not export hilsa to India this year to boost the local supply of the much sought-after fish. However, the interim government on Saturday approved the export.
Explaining the change, Farida on Sunday said the Ministry of Commerce approved the export following a “special request” from India ahead of the Durga Puja festival.
“The Ministry of Commerce has made the decision based on a specific request for Durga Puja. While we have acted on this request, I cannot impose any decision on them,” she clarified, noting that her ministry has no direct role in the matter.
Farida further reiterated the Fisheries Ministry’s commitment to ensuring sufficient hilsa for local consumers but added that she has no authority to halt exports. “I can make a request, but I cannot enforce a ban,” she said.
Hilsa export volume minimal
Salehuddin downplayed concerns over the export, emphasising that the approved quantity is insignificant compared to the country’s overall production.
“Bangladesh produces 5,30,000 metric tonnes of hilsa, and only 3,000 metric tonnes are being exported,” he said. “That’s less than one per cent of our total production. Why should not we export, especially when they [India] have an emotional connection to it?”
Addressing criticism from various quarters, the adviser acknowledged that some might feel emotionally about the issue but maintained that the decision is in Bangladesh’s economic interest. “We will earn revenue through these exports,” he added.
Salehuddin also noted that hilsa often reaches India illegally through smuggling, and formalising the process through export channels ensures a legal and profitable transaction.
When asked about Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar’s comments that her ministry was not consulted on the export decision, Salehuddin responded, “It’s not necessary to discuss every decision with every ministry. I can assure you, this decision was made after deep consideration.”
He dismissed concerns about potential price hikes for hilsa in Bangladesh due to the export, saying, “There’s no reason for the price to increase because of such a small quantity. In the long run, this decision will bring positive results.”
Economic co-op between Bangladesh and India
Highlighting the importance of maintaining good relations with India, the finance and commerce adviser pointed out that Bangladesh imports onions from its neighbour, and India recently reduced duties on onion exports.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Bangladesh exported 664.86 tonnes of hilsa to India, generating $7.71 million, according to the Department of Fisheries. The previous year saw exports of 1,376.42 tonnes of hilsa, worth $13.68 million.
Despite increased production—reaching 571,342 tonnes in the fiscal year 2022-23, up from 5,66,593 tonnes the previous year—the demand for hilsa remains high in Bangladesh, keeping prices elevated in the local market.
Legal notice seeks ban on hilsa export
Meanwhile, a legal notice has been served to the authorities concerned seeking actions within three days to stop the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan sent the notice to the commerce secretary, NBR chairman, Fisheries and Livestock secretary and chief controller of the export and import office on Sunday.
The notice said if the authorities fail to take action within the stipulated time, a writ petition will be filed with the High Court in this regard.
Protesting the decision to export the hilsa on the occasion of the Durga puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, the notice said the hilsa is a fish which is found in several countries including Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. But this fish becomes more delicious when it comes to the Padma River in Bangladesh from the sea.
As neighbouring India has a vast maritime area and plenty of hilsa is produced in their territory, there is no need to export hilsa to the country, the notice reads, adding that India only imports those found in the Padma River.
Indian agents in Bangladesh and fish exporters stock the hilsa of the river round the year and export to India upon approval by the government, depriving the country's people, it says.
