Hilsa Diplomacy: Bangladesh Clears 1,200 Tons Of Hilsa Fish Exports To India For Durga Puja

It began with a resounding "NO," but wiser counsel seems to have prevailed. After the initial aggression on an issue the people of Bengal on both sides of the international boundary agree upon, there has been a clear, unequivocal decision that, if nothing else, has positive intent. The issue is simply, the export of fish (and the much loved hilsa, at that) to India.The government of Bangladesh's commerce ministry, in a notification today said that 1,200 tons of hilsa would be exported to India (principally, West Bengal) during the Durga Puja celebrations beginning next weekend. This could be a big moment for the 90 million people of the state and also, for the 170 million people of Bangladesh. For, every kilogramme of this much loved fish will

be sold at $US 12.5, a handsome amount overall. Mr SHM Magfurul Hasan Abbasi of Bangladesh's commerce ministry has mentioned today that 37 firms have received permission to export the hilsa and they are in different parts of the country including Dhaka, the capital, Pabna, Barisal, Jessore, Chittagong and Khulna. The exports can go on from today till October 5. Each firm will be allowed to export between 30 to 50 metric tons. With the once-firm relationship that Bangladesh and India had deteriorating after the protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her hasty move to New Delhi, this decision is being seen as an effort to mend ties. It is, in effect: Hilsa diplomacy.