Bangladesh Grants Special Permission for Export of Hilsa Fish to India

The Bangladesh Government granted permission to India so as to export Hilsa fish. in the view of. Earlier, in 2012, the Government of Bangladesh imposed a ban on export of Hilsa fish to. However, India continues to export fish during the Durga Puja with the government’s permission. Around 500 tonnes were imported from Bangladesh during 2019 Durga puja.

Why did Bangladesh ban the export?

Bangladesh banned the export of Hilsa fish to India because,

• The Construction of dams and dumping of domestic and industrial wastes in to water bodies was affecting the population of the fish.
• Gradual oil spills from the old boats carrying fish from Bangladesh to India had also affected the fish ecosystem.
• Another reason was overexploitation of the fish. As per a report, more than 4 million fishermen were involved in Hilsa fishing alone.
• Further, the required amount of plankton was reduced.

Hilsa Fish

• The Hilsa Fish, also called as Ilish Fish, is an endemic species of Bangladesh.
• It has a pleasant flavour and soft texture. Reason being this, the fish is usually called as “King of Fish”.
• The Hilsa fish has been designated as the National Fish of Bangladesh.
• It is also the state symbol of West Bengal.
• The fish is categorised as Threatened species under the IUCN red list.
• Natural Habitat – Sundarbans is the natural habitat of the fish. Apart from it, the fish is also found in Godavari river of Andhra Pradesh.
• Cultural importance– Bengalis offer the fish to goddess Lakshmi during Durga Puja.

The fish is found in 11 countries namely, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. However, Bangladesh accounts for 75% world Hilsa fish production.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020