Bangladesh has exported some 277 tons of ilish to India through the Benapole land port in the past five days. Cross-border ilish prices are lower than local prices.
The export of ilish to India started through the Benapole land port in Jessore ahead of the Durga Puja on Thursday.
Ilish is being exported to India at Tk1,180 per kg. In some grocery markets in Benapole, ilish was being sold for Tk1,700 and in other markets at Tk1,800 per kg.
Aswadul Alam, the fisheries inspector at the port, said the queries relating to export prices can be clarified by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). However, he said the letter of credit for the ilish export was initiated a few years ago. Therefore, the prices have been set as per the previous rates.
Ismail Hossain, a local trader, said he does not understand how the prices of ilish are higher in the host country than that of the receiving country. He said that ilish weighing around 700-800gm is being sold at Tk1,500 in Benapole.
Ilish exported to India at lower rates than local markets as shipments continueSajib Sajir, additional director of the port, said 277.3 tons of ilish were exported to India through the port till Tuesday evening.
This year, 2,420 tons of ilish will be exported to India, although the initial approval was for exporting 3,000 tons.
A total of 49 firms have been authorized to export ilish to the neighboring country.
