Adviser to the interim government on the Ministries of Finance and Commerce Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that the decision to export hilsa fish to India was taken after making deep consideration and also for the greater interest.

“I can assure . . .  the decision was taken after making deep consideration. And I’ve got heavy appreciation for this,” he said.

The Finance Adviser was talking to reporters after IMF Resident Representative Jayendu De, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy, Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young Sik and Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Bangladesh Dr Valantine Achancho met him at his office separately at Bangladesh Secretariat today.

Talking further on the hilsa export issue, Salehuddin said, “I think that the decision was taken for greater interest. Yes, some people may face some problems. But, I don’t think that it is harmful on bigger scale. In the long run, it will bring positive results.”

The Adviser also said that both Bangladesh and India want to stay as neighbouring countries and also want to continue cooperation.

In this connection, he mentioned that Bangladesh is importing onion from India. “They (India) also reduced duties for onion,”

Replying to another question on the issue, he said the earlier decision of not to export hilsa to India has been reversed from the directives of a much higher level.

“One responsible person earlier said that hilsa won’t be exported, but now much bigger and higher responsible (individual/authority) has asked to send,” he said.

Earlier, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar categorically said that Bangladesh would not export hilsa to India this year aiming to increase hilsa supply in the domestic market.

But, the interim government yesterday approved the move to export some 3,000 metric tons of hilsa to India.

Farida Akhtar today said that in response to a “special request” from India for the upcoming Durga Puja festival, the Ministry of Commerce has granted permission for the export of hilsa fish.

“The Ministry of Commerce has approved this export based on a specific request for Durga Puja. While they have acted on this request, I can’t impose any decision on them,” she said.

The Fisheries Adviser further explained that the approval came from the Commerce Ministry and the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry has no direct involvement in this matter. “Our commitment remains strong to ensure that hilsa fish remains available for the people of Bangladesh,” she added.

Farida also said that it is not her responsibility to halt exports. “I can make a request, but I can’t enforce a ban,” she said.

Dr Salehuddin, also the Commerce Adviser, said that Bangladesh produces 530,000 metric tons of hilsa fish annually and of that amount, it is sending only 3,000 metric tons of hilsa to India.

When his attention was drawn to the recent remarks of the Fisheries and Livestock Adviser, he said that India is a neighbouring country.

“Look whatever she said, India is our neighbouring country and we’ve friendly relations with them,” he said.

He also said that those who are talking such emotional talks could continue such things if they wish.

“The export amount of hilsa is less than one percent of the total hilsa production. Then why we shouldn’t export where they have emotional attachment with it. We will earn money through exporting such fish,” he said.

The Adviser also admitted that normally hilsa is being smuggled to India through various border points.

Regarding the allegation of Fisheries Adviser that the Commerce Ministry did not discuss the matter with the fisheries ministry, Dr Salehuddin said that it is not a matter to discuss with all for taking all decisions.

He also said that there is no reason to hike the price of hilsa in the local market for this tiny consignment of exports.