The government has decided to export 11,000 metric tons of ilish to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Bangladeshi expatriates.
“Following requests from Bangladeshi expatriates—who contribute significantly to the country's economy through remittances and have shown solidarity during the July movement—a plan has been initiated to export ilish on a limited scale,” Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter said at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday.
Ilish exports have been suspended since 2012 due to a government ban.
However, Bangladesh produced 5.30 lakh metric tons of ilish in the 2023-24 fiscal year, she said.
The current interim government is working to increase the supply of ilish in local markets and stabilize prices.
“Although year-round exports may not be feasible, arrangements can be made to export ilish during the peak season in August and September,” Farida said.
According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training, approximately 4.4 million Bangladeshi expatriates reside in Saudi Arabia, while 2.2 million live in the UAE.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will recommend that the Ministry of Commerce facilitate the export of 11,000 metric tons of ilish to these two countries initially, with plans to implement the process from August to the first week of October this year.
Further exports to other countries may also be considered later, Farida added.
