Bangladesh has halted hilsa fish imports from India after authorities abruptly revoked 103 No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
The suspension, which took effect on Wednesday, has cut off fish shipments at the border and left local traders facing financial losses.
Although Department of Fisheries has not officially disclosed why the NOCs were withdrawn, the decision was formalised in an order signed on 22 September by Md Khaled Kanak, acting director general of the department.
For current financial year, the government had permitted the import of 1,739.50 metric tonnes of hilsa from India. Out of this allocation, 535 metric tonnes had been imported through Benapole land port up until Tuesday.
Industry insiders and stakeholders believe the shutdown stems from three main concerns – imported Indian hilsa being fraudulently passed off as premium Bangladeshi or Padma hilsa, money laundering through under-invoicing, and efforts to boost local fish production.
Recent imports from India had surged due to high profit margins. Port sources noted that importers declared prices ranging between 48 US cents and $2 dollars per kg, releasing shipments after paying fixed revenue duties.
However, fish imported at a cost equivalent to around Tk500 per kg was allegedly being retailed in local markets as genuine Padma hilsa for Tk2,000 to 3,000 per kg.
“Buyers are easily misled because imported Indian hilsa looks almost identical to Bangladesh’s Padma hilsa,” said Amedul Islam, a consumer from Lone Office Para area in Jashore town.
“Despite a slight difference in taste, many buy Indian hilsa assuming it is local fish, even though these low-cost imports are being sold in markets for Tk2,500 to 3,000 per kg.”
During recent market monitoring drives, the district administration fined several sellers for charging exorbitant prices for Indian hilsa.
Relevant stakeholders also fear that an increased supply of Indian hilsa could discourage Bangladeshi fishermen from catching domestic fish, while under-invoicing creates potential avenues for money laundering.
Local businesses have reported severe operational disruption. Syed Mohidul Haque Rubai, a hilsa importer, explained that fish purchased from Indian traders and stored across the border must now be returned at discounted rates, alongside unrecoverable operational expenses already spent.
Asawadul Islam, an inspector at Benapole Fisheries and Quality Control Office, confirmed that imports have been stopped following directives from the Department of Fisheries, halting Indian hilsa supplies in Benapole markets.
Traders remain uncertain whether imports can proceed under remaining authorisations not covered by the 103 cancelled NOCs.
With businesses awaiting further directives from relevant authorities, it remains unclear how long the market supply of Indian hilsa will stay suspended.
