These ships and patrol aircraft are continuously monitoring 24 hours a day to prevent domestic and foreign fishermen from intruding into the deep sea. Bangladeshi authorities have stated that fishing has been banned in the Hilsa fish breeding areas from October 4 to 25.
Hilsa
Hilsa is also known as Ilish fish in Bangladesh. It is the national fish of Bangladesh and has been given the status of 'mother' there. Hilsa returns from the sea (warm water) to rivers (cold water) every year to lay eggs for breeding.
Millions of people depend on Hilsa fish. In Dhaka, its current price is 2800 to 3000 Taka (2050 to 2200 rupees) per kilogram. This fish is also very popular and sold at high prices in West Bengal, India.
Environmental experts say that climate change and rising sea levels are affecting the Hilsa fish stock. There is also a fear that naval ships could disrupt the calm waters during Hilsa breeding.
Mohammad Abdul Wahab, former head of the WorldFish project, said that Hilsa needs calm and undisturbed water for breeding and using drones would be better for this.
Government distributed 25 kg rice to fishermen
The Bangladesh government has given 25 kilograms of rice to each fishing family to help fishermen during the breeding season, but some people say it is not enough.
60-year-old fisherman Sattar Majhi told AFP, 'Three weeks are very difficult for fishermen, as we have no other means of livelihood.'
Bangladesh Leads in Hilsa Fish Production
Bangladesh is one of the world's largest fish-producing countries. It ranks third after India and China. Hilsa fish (ilish) is its main export product, providing approximately 70% of the global supply. Fisheries contribute about 3-4% to Bangladesh's GDP.
Hilsa accounts for 12 percent of Bangladesh's total fish production. Here, 550,000 to 600,000 tons of fish are caught every year, providing livelihood to 500,000 fishermen and 2 million people in related industries.
In the financial year 2023-2024 (FY24), Bangladesh exported 71,477 tons of fish and fish products (such as shrimp, hilsa, other marine fish). This earned approximately 4,376 crore Taka.
Indian fishermen fish in the brackish waters of the Ganges River and its delta, meeting the needs of Kolkata and West Bengal. However, overfishing can deplete Hilsa stocks during the breeding season.
The Yunus government in Bangladesh halted Hilsa exports to India in September 2024. This was intended to ensure Hilsa supplies to the domestic market.
This was the first time since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 that Hilsa exports were completely banned. Bangladesh has been exporting 1,500 to 2,000 tons of Hilsa fish to India every year before Durga Puja.
This tradition began during the Sheikh Hasina government. The Yunus government's ban was seen as a source of bitterness between India and Bangladesh. However, on September 21st, Bangladesh lifted this ban and allowed 3,000 tons of Hilsa fish to be exported to India.
This fish, which arrives in India every year before Durga Puja, is not only famous for its taste but has also become a special symbol of India-Bangladesh relations, known as 'Hilsa Diplomacy'.
Indian fishermen catch fish in the brackish waters of the Ganges River and its delta, which fulfills the needs of Kolkata and West Bengal. But overfishing can reduce the stock of Hilsa during its breeding season.
In India's West Bengal, there is a huge demand for Hilsa during Durga Puja and wedding seasons. Hilsa is available only for a few months, which is why its demand increases significantly. Hilsa fish has also been important in political and economic matters between India and Bangladesh.
Sometimes this fish becomes a cause of diplomatic dispute. For example, when talks between India and Bangladesh over the Teesta river water were unsuccessful, Bangladesh banned the export of Hilsa from 2012 to 2018.
