The government has decided to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India on the eve of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.
The commerce ministry on Saturday issued a notification in this regard.
The notification signed by the commerce ministry deputy secretary Sultana Akhtar said that in view of the pleas made by various exporters, the government has approved the exports of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India on the occasion of the upcoming Durga Puja subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
The exporters concerned have been asked to apply to the relevant wing of the ministry by September 24 noon for obtaining export permission.
Applications would not be accepted after the deadline and those who have already applied need not apply again, the notification stated.
Previously, the interim government adviser to the fisheries ministry, Farida Akhter, announced that the government would not export hilsa to India this year in order to enhance domestic supply.
The prices of hilsa have continued rising in the country over the past few years, leaving the majority of people deprived of this favourite fish.
This year, the prices of hilsa have increased significantly, even during the peak fishing season.
Hilsa weighing about 1 kilogram is being sold for Tk聽1,500 to Tk聽1,900, while the fish weighing less than 1 kilogram is priced between Tk聽900 and Tk聽1,300 a kilogram on the kitchen markets in the capital Dhaka.
In 2023, the government decided to permit the export of 5,000 tonnes of hilsa to India on the eve of Durga Puja.
In the first phase in 2023, 79 exporters received permission to export 3,950 tonnes of hilsa, and subsequently, a few other exporters were granted permission for exports.