Amid wide debate and criticism, the interim government has finally approved the export of hilsa to India. Setting aside the export-earnings angle, economists have described it as a symbol of bilateral friendship.
'A gift, not an earner'
Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), told Jago News: "There is no scope to look at hilsa exports to India in terms of export earnings. Eating hilsa is a tradition during Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of followers of the Sanatan faith. Whatever the price or production, Bangladesh should export hilsa to the country as a gift to maintain good relations and to respect the tradition."
"However, the quantity exported should be decided on the basis of the country's production and demand. I believe that beyond values, it also has significance for political relations. This practice must continue under any circumstances," he added.
Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, a former secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Jago News: "After 5 August some distance has developed between India and the new government. Whether because leaders accused of murder have been given shelter there or for any other reason, it has happened. As for why hilsa exports to India were not approved at first, we have to look at how much our demand and production are. If demand is higher, it is difficult to export to another country. India too stops exports of any product when its production is low. So there is no scope to see this any other way."
He said: "I think sending hilsa to India may create some goodwill. Exchange with one another is important for improving relations. Since we have a lot of give and take with India, there is no scope to shut that off completely, nor should it be done. Hilsa exports are banned. But relax hilsa exports around religious festivals, especially for the Puja in West Bengal."
Export and production figures
According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh earned $13.22 million in 2022-23, which fell to $7.75 million in the first 11 months of the last fiscal year.
According to the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh produced a total of 5,71,342 tonnes of hilsa in 2022-23. In 2021-22 hilsa production was given as 566.593 tonnes.
The Ministry of Commerce has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India for the coming Durga Puja, it said in a notice on Saturday, 21 September. Last year the ministry allowed 50 firms to export 4,000 tonnes of hilsa.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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