The annual tradition of Bangladesh exporting Hilsa fish to India ahead of the Durga Puja festival has been suspended this year. This seasonal gesture, previously used as a form of soft diplomacy, has ceased following the political transition in Dhaka after the 2024 uprising. Relations between the two nations remain tense, particularly due to the presence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. Beyond the political friction, Bangladesh has also restricted Hilsa imports from India, citing local dissatisfaction with the quality of foreign fish compared to the prized domestic variety. While the fish trade is not a major geopolitical issue, its suspension serves as a symbolic indicator of the current cooling in bilateral relations. Domestic concerns over affordability and supply have further complicated the trade, marking a departure from the previous administration's policy of prioritizing exports to maintain regional goodwill.
Source : Daily Sabah
Photo : Daily Sabah
