Bangladesh has halted hilsa import from India after the Department of Fisheries cancelled 103 no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued for importing the popular fish.
The NOCs were revoked on Tuesday through a letter signed by Acting Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Konok.
Following the decision, the process of importing hilsa from India through Benapole land port has remained suspended.
Vice President of the Benapole Port Import-Exporters Association Aminul Haque confirmed the development to the media.
He said they have received a letter from the Department of Fisheries stating that a number of NOCs have been cancelled.
“As a result, hilsa imports have been halted. Importers are facing difficulties because of the decision,” he said.
Hilsa importer Syed Mahidul Haque Rubai said the sudden suspension of imports has caused substantial losses to importers.
He said hilsa purchased in India were kept there for import into Bangladesh, but the import suspension now means the fish will have to be returned at lower prices.
“Besides, we are also facing losses from import-related expenses,” he said.
