Bangladesh has announced its decision to export 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India ahead of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for the Hindu community.

On Saturday, the commerce ministry issued a notification concerning this matter.

The notification signed by Deputy Secretary Sultana Akhtar of the commerce ministry stated that, in response to requests from various exporters, the government has approved the export of 3,000 tonnes of hilsa to India for the upcoming Durga Puja, provided that the specified conditions are met.

The relevant exporters have been instructed to submit their applications to the appropriate department of the ministry by noon on September 24 in order to obtain export permission.

Applications would not be accepted after the mentioned date 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 to rise in the country over the past few years, leaving the majority of people deprived of this beloved fish.

This year, the price of the national fish has increased significantly, even during the peak fishing season.

Hilsa weighing around 1 kilogram was being sold for Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,900, while fish weighing less than 1 kilogram is priced between Tk 900 and Tk 1,300 per kilogram in city markets.

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, 79 exporters had received permission to export 3,950 tonnes of hilsa on the year.