In celebration of the upcoming Durga Puja festival, the Government of Bangladesh has granted export approval to 37 local companies to send hilsa (ilish) fish to India. The Ministry of Commerce officially issued the permits on Tuesday, allowing each approved company to export between 20 and 50 tonnes of the popular fish.
For 2025, the ministry has set a total export limit of 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to India during the Puja season. This decision was announced through an official order issued on September 8. Compared to last year’s initial export cap of 3,000 tonnes—later revised to 2,420 tonnes—this year’s allowance marks a significant reduction, roughly half of the previous volume.
According to the ministry’s directive, all approved shipments must be completed by October 5. The approval letters specify that customs authorities will strictly inspect the fish exports, and companies are not allowed to exceed the permitted quantity. These approvals are non-transferable, and the government reserves the right to cancel any export permit at any time if necessary.
The list of approved exporters includes companies from across Bangladesh, such as:
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Khulna: Arif Sea Foods, Bishwas Enterprise, Lokoj Fashion, Mashfi & Brothers
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Chattogram: JS Enterprise, Anraj Fish Products
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Jashore: Lucky Enterprise, MU Sea Foods, Lucky Trading, Rahman Impex Fish Export, Mohtab & Sons, Janata Fish, Bishwas Traders, KB Enterprise
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Dhaka: Vigilant Express, Swarnali Enterprise, Majestic Enterprise, BDS Corporation
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Barishal: Mahima Enterprise, Nahiyan Enterprise, AR Enterprise, Tanisa Enterprise
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Pabna: Noman Enterprise, Rupali Trading Corporation
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Other areas: Seven Star Fish Processing Co., National Agro Fisheries, RF Trading Corporation, Jarif Trading Corporation, Jarin Enterprise, Faria International, Sottota Fish (honesty fish), Rafid Enterprise (Bhola), Ma Enterprise, and Suman Traders (Satkhira)
The annual hilsa export during Durga Puja is a gesture of goodwill and cultural ties between Bangladesh and India, especially as the fish holds special significance during the festival season in West Bengal.
