Photo: Collected
Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday (22 September) clarified that the government’s decision to export hilsa fish to India was made following directives from higher authorities, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise.
“One responsible person said hilsa would not be exported, but a much higher authority directed us to proceed,” Dr. Salehuddin told reporters at his office in the Secretariat, addressing the apparent reversal of the initial stance.
Earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar had firmly stated that Bangladesh would not export hilsa to India this year in an effort to boost local supply of the much sought after fish. However, the interim government on Saturday approved the export.
Explaining the change, Farida Akhtar said the Ministry of Commerce approved the export following a “special request” from India ahead of the Durga Puja festival.
“The Ministry of Commerce has made the decision based on a specific request for Durga Puja. While we have acted on this request, I cannot impose any decision on them,” she clarified, noting that her ministry has no direct role in the matter.
Farida further reiterated the Fisheries Ministry’s commitment to ensuring sufficient hilsa for local consumers but added that she has no authority to halt exports. “I can make a request, but I cannot enforce a ban,” she said.
Messenger/Fameema
