Bangladesh bans hilsa exports to India ahead of Durga Puja inflicting a scarcity within the festive fish markets.
Bangladesh bans Hilsa fish export to India ahead of Durga Puja: As the Durga Puja season approaches, a beloved custom in Bengali households is underneath pressure. The aroma of steamed hilsa in mustard sauce, a staple throughout the festivities, might turn out to be costlier this yr. The purpose? Bangladesh’s new military-backed caretaker authorities has banned the export of hilsa fish (generally known as “ilish” in Bengali) to India. This transfer has created a scarcity of the prized Bangladeshi hilsa, simply as Bengalis put together to rejoice their greatest pageant.
Hilsa, significantly the variability from the Padma River in Bangladesh, is extremely wanted in West Bengal throughout Durga Puja. It’s usually loved with khichuri (khichdi) as half of the festive feasts. However, this yr, the same old provide of Padma hilsa is being minimize off due to the export ban, and prices are expected to skyrocket.
The ban represents a departure from a longstanding apply in Bangladesh. For years, the nation has despatched massive portions of hilsa to India, particularly throughout festive seasons like Durga Puja, Poila Boisakh (Bengali New Year), and Jamai Soshti (a particular celebration for sons-in-law). This was largely facilitated by Sheikh Hasina, the previous Prime Minister of Bangladesh and chief of the Awami League. Her authorities had lifted a common ban on hilsa exports to India that had been in place from 2012 to 2020, regardless of the fish being a nationwide image and a supply of nationwide delight in Bangladesh, which produces round 70% of the world’s hilsa.
The ban on hilsa exports was initially launched in response to disputes between India and Bangladesh over the Teesta River water-sharing settlement. Although the ban led to rising prices in Indian markets and elevated smuggling throughout the India-Bangladesh border, Sheikh Hasina’s authorities had allowed exceptions for India throughout essential festivals.
Now, with the change in authorities, these exceptions have come to an finish. Farida Akhter, an advisor to the Bangladesh Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, confirmed the brand new ban, explaining that it’s meant to guarantee enough provide of hilsa for Bangladeshi shoppers. “We cannot allow ilish to be exported while our own people cannot buy them,” she acknowledged.
The ban may have a major impression on Indian markets, significantly in West Bengal, the place demand for hilsa peaks throughout Durga Puja. Without the same old provide from Bangladesh, Indian shoppers might have to flip to different sources of hilsa from areas like Odisha, Myanmar, and Gujarat. However, these alternate options might not fulfill the demand for the extremely prized Padma hilsa, and prices are seemingly to rise sharply consequently.
Despite the ban, some hilsa should still discover its means into India by means of unofficial channels, however it is going to seemingly come at a better value. For many Bengalis, the absence of reasonably priced Bangladeshi hilsa throughout Durga Puja may imply celebrating the pageant with a lighter pocket or turning to different fish choices.
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