The government of Bangladesh has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the Durga Puja festival, according to a report by The Daily Star. This comes after the country imposed a temporary ban on hilsa exports earlier this month following the end of the Sheikh Hasina government’s term.

The export of hilsa, a fish highly prized in both Bangladesh and India, is a tradition during Durga Puja, when demand for the delicacy surges. In past years, large shipments of Padma hilsa were sent to India as a gesture of goodwill under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The ban, imposed by the caretaker government led by Muhammad Younus, aimed to secure enough supply for local consumers. However, the Ministry of Commerce has now granted approval for the export in time for the festive season.

Bangladesh is the world's largest producer of hilsa, accounting for nearly 70% of global output, and the fish is a national symbol. A previous ban on hilsa exports was imposed in 2012 due to disputes over the Teesta River water-sharing agreement but was lifted in 2022 by the Hasina administration after shortages in Indian markets led to smuggling across the India-Bangladesh border.

With the latest approval, the 3,000 tonnes of hilsa will be shipped to India just in time to meet the heightened demand during Durga Puja, which is celebrated by millions in both countries.