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Indian fish importers have urged Bangladesh to lift restrictions on hilsa exports ahead of the Durga Puja festival, saying the limited export window allowed in recent years has made the trade difficult to sustain.
The Fish Importers’ Association, based in Kolkata, has written to Bangladesh’s commerce minister seeking permission to resume regular hilsa imports from Bangladesh.
The association said it has been importing hilsa through the Benapole and Akhaura land ports since 1996.
Bangladesh banned hilsa exports in 2012 but began allowing limited shipments during the Durga Puja season from 2019 as a goodwill gesture.
The Indian importers said the one-month export window was not sufficient for traders to conduct the business effectively.
They also highlighted the longstanding cultural, linguistic and culinary ties between the two Bengals and the strong demand for Bangladeshi hilsa in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.
“We are in dire straits and would request you to please lift the ban on the export of Hilsa,” the association said in its appeal, according to ANI.
The request comes as 18 Bangladeshi companies have also applied for permission to export hilsa to India this year.
The Bangladesh Commerce Ministry has sought the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry’s opinion on the country’s domestic supply and demand before making a decision.
Bangladesh allowed 1,200 tonnes of hilsa exports to India in 2025.
This year, exporters are seeking permission for a longer period, while Indian importers have also called for the resumption of regular trade.
The government is expected to take a decision after assessing domestic availability of the national fish.
