AGARTALA: Bangladesh government'srecent ban on import-export of Hilsa has sparked a negative reaction among the businessmen and consumers in Tripura. A big quantity of Hilsa fish is regularly imported to the state to meet the demand of the local fish lovers. But according to the media reports, the caretaker government of Bangladesh has recently put a ban on the export of the king of fishes from that country. This information made the local businessmen as well as fish eaters unhappy. However, the price remained the same as before the ban was imposed that is between Rs 200 and Rs 240 per kg.
Shri Harendra Das is one of the prime importers of fish from Bangladesh. He got the message of ban on Hilsa import from the newspapers this morning. He immediately contacted his organisation Tripura Import Export Association leaders. He said that despite the announcement of ban he continued import of Hilsa till now. He is anxious to think about the future of much-loved fish that has a wide market even in this tiny state.
Though fish import continued till now, the retail sellers in the market are almost sitting idle for customers who have grown lesser in number than they were in previous days. They also got the message and are worried.
One of them said that the matter should be discussed and once again because the market has good demand of it.
Hilsa has a very important role in Bengali life. Most of the Bengali people like to eat it now and then. On any big family occasion the presence of Hilsa adds flavour and attraction. Bangladesh keeps their desire fulfilled regularly by exporting it through various land custom stations.
The local lovers of Hilsa already got the message of Bangladesh government'sdecision of ban from the media. They reacted to this negatively and hoped that the neighbouring country will reconsider the decision for the sake of local Bengali people.
Considering all these, Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industry has decided to urge to the caretaker government of Bangladesh through Indian High Commission in Dhaka to reconsider the decision of banning Hilsa export from that country. It will also request the neighbouring country to give one or two months? period to the importers so that they can prepare themselves for the situation and lessen the loss, if the ban is very essential.
Talking to this scribe, the president of TCCI M.L. Debnath asserted that ban on Hilsa export will have a negative impact on the local businessmen as well as consumers, especially at a time when large numbers of marriage ceremonies are taking place in the state. Assuring all concerned of pursuing the appropriate authority for reconsidering the ban order, Shri Debnath said that he tried but failed to contact the high commissioner in Dhaka. On behalf of the importers of the state he will seek intervention of high commissioner into the matter.
