
Image- Collected
Hilsa imports from India through the Benapole land port have been suspended after the Department of Fisheries cancelled 103 no-objection certificates (NOCs).
The decision was communicated in a letter signed by the department’s acting director general, Dr Md Khaled Kanak, on September 22. The cancellation took effect immediately, bringing Hilsa imports through the port to a halt.
Aminul Haq, vice-president of the Benapole Port Importers and Exporters Association, confirmed receiving the letter and said the sudden decision had left traders in a difficult situation.
Hilsa importer Ziaur Rahman said the suspension could cause major financial losses for importers. He said Hilsa already purchased and stored in warehouses across the border may have to be sold back at lower prices, while import-related expenses that cannot be recovered would add to the losses.
According to port sources, 352,786 kilograms of Hilsa worth an estimated Tk 6.43 crore were imported from India through Benapole over the past two months.