Muabia Laboni: Ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festival, India has once again expressed its desire to import 5,000 tons of hilsa fish from Bangladesh.
In this regard, the Bangladeshi High Commission in Kolkata, West Bengal, has received a letter from local businessmen.
However, the Bangladeshi government is planning to be more stringent about the quantity of hilsa fish exported, given that last year, despite permission to export 2,900 tons, only 1, 300 tons were actually sent.
According to sources within the Bangladeshi Ministry of Commerce, the government will closely monitor whether the approved exporters are adhering to the specified quotas.
In their letter, the Kolkata Fish Importers Association pointed out that hilsa fish from Dhaka is not just a delectable delicacy but also a highly valued gift item for the people of Kolkata. Kolkata residents hold a preference for larger, premium-quality hilsa.
Sources within the Bangladeshi Ministry of Commerce have revealed that, just like in previous years, they are considering granting permission for hilsa fish exports to India during the Durga Puja season.
So far, nearly 100 establishments have applied for approval to export hilsa fish. However, the final quantity of approval has not been determined yet.
Since 2012, hilsa fish has been a seasonal treat in Kolkata during the Durga Puja festival, with consignments arriving from Dhaka each year.