Hilsa import from India stopped due to cancellation of no-objection certificates

The Department of Fisheries has cancelled 103 no-objection certificates (NOCs), stopping the import of hilsa from India to Bangladesh. After the decision to cancel these certificates on September 22 the process of buying hilsa from the Indian market and bringing it to Bangladesh has come to a halt. As a result the Bangladeshi importers who had prepared to buy fish on the basis of government approval and had already invested money have fallen into uncertainty.

The matter of cancelling 103 no-objection certificates was informed in a letter signed by Acting Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Md Khaled Kanak. Hilsa was to be imported from India under these certificates. However, the activities of the concerned importers have not progressed further after the cancellation of the certificates.

Businessmen informed that after receiving government approval the importers prepare to buy hilsa on the Indian side. At that time many invest money in buying fish, transportation and other ancillary works. But due to the sudden cancellation of the approval uncertainty has arisen over whether the hilsa bought or kept ready for buying in the Indian market can be brought to Bangladesh.

President of Benapole Importers-Exporters Association Motiar Rahman said the businessmen had prepared to import hilsa based on the government approval. Money has been invested at various stages including buying fish and transportation on the Indian side. Now due to the cancellation of that approval the importers have fallen into the risk of financial loss.

He said many businessmen have prepared to buy hilsa on the Indian side. Some have even already bought the fish. Uncertainty has been created regarding these products as the import remains stopped. If the problem is not solved quickly the amount of loss of the businessmen of both countries may increase further.

Proprietor of hilsa importer Rabbi Enterprise Jisan Ahmed Rabbi said preparation had been taken to buy hilsa in the Indian market after receiving the approval. Many importers have already invested money. Now due to the sudden stoppage of import concern has been created about the future of that investment.

According to him, if the hilsa bought in the Indian market cannot be brought to Bangladesh within the stipulated time it may have to be returned at a lower price. In this there is a risk that along with the purchase price of the fish the other expenses incurred in transportation and the import process will also turn into losses.

Businessmen said that as the hilsa import activities remain stopped the transportation and port-based businessmen may also face losses alongside the importers. Especially concern is increasing among the concerned businessmen as there is no approval for entry into Bangladesh after buying the fish on the Indian side.

However, no detailed explanation has been received from the side of the Department of Fisheries on why the 103 no-objection certificates were cancelled. The activities of importing hilsa from India to Bangladesh under these certificates have remained stopped since the decision to cancel the certificates on September 22.