Kurigram: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter announced today that the government has approved the export of 1,200 metric tons of hilsa to India. This decision was made as a gesture of goodwill in response to a request for the Durga Puja festival.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the approved quantity is less than half of what was sent last year. Additionally, in consideration of the demand from expatriate Bengalis, the government has sanctioned the export of 11,000 metric tons of hilsa to Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia. Farida Akhter shared this information with reporters following a meeting with key stakeholders.
The meeting took place at the Kurigram Deputy Commissioner’s Office, involving officials from the District Fisheries and Livestock Department, representatives from private organizations, local NGOs, and women farmers. During the meeting, the fisheries adviser highlighted the impact of Jatka catching on this year’s hilsa production, which has resulted in a decreased market supply. To address this, efforts are underway to offer hilsa at more affordable prices in certain regions of the country this month.
The adviser also outlined plans to vaccinate cattle against LSD in four districts, including Sirajganj, Pabna, and Manikganj. The meeting was attended by various officials, including Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Sifat Mehnaz, Civil Surgeon Dr. Swapan Kumar Biswas, District Fisheries Officer Muktadir Khan, District Livestock Officer Dr. Md Habibur Rahman, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Abdullah Al Mamun, and Additional Superintendent of Police Masud Rana.