The government has decided to export 11,000 metric tonnes of hilsa to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Bangladeshi expatriates.
“Following the request from Bangladeshi expatriates, who contribute significantly to the country's economy through remittances and have shown solidarity during July movement, plan has been taken to export hilsa on a limited scale, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter said at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday.
Hilsa exports have remained suspended since 2012 due to a government ban and Bangladesh produced 5.30 lakh metric tonnes of hilsa in the 2023-24 fiscal year, she said.
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The current interim government is trying to increase the supply of hilsa in local markets and keepprices stable.
Although year-round exports may not be feasible, arrangements can be made to export hilsa during the peak season in August and September, Farida said.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training, around 4.4 million Bangladeshi expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia and 2.2 million live in the UAE.
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The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will recommend the Ministry of Commerce to facilitate the export of 11,000 metric tonnes of hilsa to the two countries initially with plans to implement the process from August to the first week of October this year.
Further exports to other countries may also be considered later, Farida added.