Bangladesh has approved 37 companies to export hilsa to India ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festival, the country’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Tuesday (Sept 16).

According to the official order, signed by deputy secretary SHM Magfurul Hasan Abbasi, the ministry has permitted the export of 1,200 metric tonnes of hilsa between September 16 and October 5, 2025. 

The decision ensures that Indian consumers, particularly in West Bengal, will be able to enjoy Bangladesh’s prized fish in time for the celebrations beginning September 28.

The approval is subject to several conditions under the Export Policy 2024–27. Customs authorities will carry out strict inspections to verify export quantities using the ASYCUDA World System and ensure that no shipment exceeds the authorised limit. 

Exporters must submit proof of actual shipment volumes before applying for future permits. The government has reserved the right to revoke the permission at any time.

The order also prohibits transfer of the approval or subcontracting of the exports, requiring all shipments to be made directly by the licensed companies.

Hilsa exports to India have been allowed on a limited scale since 2019. Despite strong demand in West Bengal, shipments remain a small fraction of Bangladesh’s total production — just 0.29% over the past five years, according to official data.

In the last financial year (2023–24), Bangladesh exported 802 tonnes of hilsa, earning around USD 8 million at a fixed price of USD 10 per kilogram. The highest volume was recorded in 2020–21, when 1,699 tonnes were exported, generating USD 16.4 million.

Hilsa was first added to Bangladesh’s list of conditional exportable items in the 2015–18 National Export Policy and has remained there in subsequent policies.

Bangladesh’s decision to allow hilsa exports before Durga Puja has become an annual tradition, with shipments sent primarily through Benapole and Akhaura land ports. Officials note that despite higher export quotas, actual shipments often fall short due to supply constraints.

SMS/