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The import of hilsa from India to Bangladesh has been halted after the Department of Fisheries cancelled 103 no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued for the shipments.
The decision was communicated in a letter signed by Acting Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak on Tuesday (September 22).
Following the cancellation, the process of importing hilsa from India has remained suspended.
The move has created uncertainty among Bangladeshi importers who had already prepared to purchase hilsa in the Indian market. Some importers had reportedly completed the purchase process on the Indian side.
Businesspeople said they now face difficulties over fish that had already been purchased, as the sudden suspension could force them to return the consignments at lower prices.
Stakeholders involved in import-export activities through Benapole Land Port said importers had already spent money on advance preparations, fish purchases and transportation.
Matiar Rahman, president of the Benapole Importers and Exporters Association, said traders had made preparations after receiving the NOCs and had proceeded with purchasing hilsa in India.
“Now that the certificates have suddenly been cancelled and imports halted, importers are facing financial losses,” he said, adding that the interests of importers should be considered before such decisions are taken.
Association General Secretary Ziaur Rahman Zia said they had received a letter from the Department of Fisheries informing them about the cancellation of a number of NOCs.
He said the decision had disrupted the business plans of traders involved in hilsa imports.
Hilsa importer Rafiqullah said many traders had already invested money to purchase fish after obtaining approval.
“If we cannot bring the hilsa purchased in India to Bangladesh on time, we may have to return it at a lower price,” he said.
He added that transport and other related expenses would also turn into losses.
Traders warned that the suspension could affect not only hilsa importers but also businesses involved in transportation, customs clearance and other related services.
