Dhaka, Sep 29 (V7N): A legal notice has been served, urging the government to set the maximum retail price of ilish fish at Tk700 per kilogram for the public.

Supreme Court lawyer Khandaker Hasan Shahriar issued the notice on Sunday, addressing key government officials, including the secretaries of the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, along with the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

The notice highlights that ilish, a fish predominantly found in the Bay of Bengal, is prized in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar. Despite larger maritime territories in India and Myanmar, ilish from the Padma River is especially valued for its taste.

Unlike other fish in Bangladesh, such as rui, which is farmed and sold for a maximum of Tk500 per kg, ilish occurs naturally and has no production costs. The notice pointed out that much of the Padma ilish is exported to India, with some also being smuggled, making it scarce and expensive for local buyers. Reports suggest consumers in Bangladesh are paying up to Tk2,400 per kg for ilish, while exports to India are priced at Tk1,180 per kg, leading to a loss of foreign currency.

The notice calls for synchronizing fishing bans between Bangladesh and India to control the harvest and proposes monitoring the wholesale and retail markets of ilish. It also demands stronger measures to curb illegal smuggling and suggests that future exports should be priced no lower than domestic market rates.

If these issues are not addressed within seven days, the notice warns that a writ petition will be filed in the High Court.

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