Dhaka: A total of 352,786 kilograms of Hilsa fish was imported from India through Benapole land port in the first two months of the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the fish, imported by 22 commercial enterprises across July and August, was valued at over Tk 6.92 crore (Tk 69,294,510), as confirmed by port quarantine records. Ashwadul Alam, Fisheries Quarantine Inspector at Benapole Port, reported a notable increase in shipments in August compared to July.
Port sources indicated that 29,440 kg of Hilsa, worth Tk 35.48 lakh, arrived via three importing firms in July. In August, imports surged nearly 11-fold as 19 firms brought in 323,346 kg of Hilsa valued at over Tk 6.57 crore. This substantial influx has increased fish supplies across Benapole, Sharsha, Bagachra, Navaran, and Jashore Boro Bazar, while simultaneously causing confusion among consumers about the origin of the fish.
Local wholesalers suggested that Myanmar Hilsa is entering Bangladesh from India via Benapole. However, fisheries quarantine officials clarified that all Hilsa passing through Benapole is from India, whereas Myanmar Hilsa enters through Chittagong Port.
Instances of illegal shipments have also been noted. On July 22, Benapole Customs authorities seized 12 cartons containing approximately 360 kg of Indian Hilsa falsely declared as "white fish."
Shopper Mehedi Hasan expressed his experience of purchasing imported fish, mistaking it for local Hilsa, and noticing a difference in taste and aroma after cooking. The similarity in appearance often misleads consumers, he noted.
Md. Salimuzzaman, Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) in Jashore, emphasized the need for proper origin disclosures for imported Hilsa. He stated, "We are investigating the matter and will launch market drives if necessary."