West Bengal fish traders have expressed eagerness to import Hilsa fish of the River Padma in Bangladesh. Hilsa importers hope that the complication on the issue will be solved in the meeting this week between Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also be present in the meeting.  

West Bengal Fish Importers’ Association has already sent letters to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Fisheries Minister Chandranath Singha to keep the issue of lifting ban on Hilsa export from Bangladesh in the agenda.

Bangladesh government imposed ban on Hilsha export in 2012.

West Bengal Fish Importers’ Association president Atul Chandra Das said, ‘We have talked with Bangladeahi fish traders on Hilsa issue. Barisal Fish Exporters’ Association president Ajit Kumar Das told us that they are eager to export Hilsa in India. They have discussed the issue with the commerce minister and have sent letters to the ministry. They have also invited a delegation from our association. We will confirm the visit soon.’

Atul Chandra further said, ‘We hope that Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will change her mind and give clearance in exporting Hilsha.’

Fisheries Minister Chandranath Singha said, ‘Hilsa is not entering the state due to ban from Bangladesh. It is an issue of discussion between two countries. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested Bangladesh government to lift ban on Hilsa export during her visit to Bangladesh in February. It will be good if the issue is discussed in the meeting between the heads of the two states. We hope Hilsa from Padma will enter West Bengal in the next Rainy season.’