Dhaka, Sep 25 (V7N) – A petition has been submitted to the High Court calling for a permanent ban on the export of ilish (hilsa) fish from Bangladesh to India. The petition also urges the cancellation of the interim government's decision to export 3,000 tons of ilish to India.

The petition was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan on Wednesday, naming as respondents the secretaries of the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the chairman of the National Board of Revenue, and the chief controller of the import-export office.

The petition claims that while ilish is a marine fish primarily found in the Bay of Bengal, India and Myanmar have larger maritime boundaries than Bangladesh and produce more ilish. Moreover, ilish is also available in various Indian rivers, raising the argument that India does not need to import ilish from Bangladesh. Specifically, the petition highlights that the ilish from the Padma River is particularly prized for its taste and aroma, which is why it is sought after by Indian importers.

According to the petition, only 10% of the ilish caught in Bangladesh comes from the Padma River, based on data from the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. The limited availability is already insufficient for the needs of the Bangladeshi population.

The petition alleges that India primarily imports ilish from the Padma River in Bangladesh, and that significant amounts of the fish are smuggled into India. This leaves the Bangladeshi public with limited access to Padma ilish, which, when available, is sold at very high prices, making it unaffordable for most people.

It further asserts that the government's decision to export ilish has driven up prices in Bangladesh, as reported by various media outlets. The petition also points out that under Bangladesh's export policy for 2021-2024, ilish is not freely exportable, and any exports require specific approval, which must involve the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

The petition, therefore, seeks the cancellation of the current decision to export 3,000 tons of ilish to India, as well as a permanent ban on the export of ilish from the Padma, Meghna, and other rivers in Bangladesh.

Earlier this week, the lawyer served a legal notice to the government, requesting action within three days to stop the export of ilish to India.

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