Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said that the export of ilish to India is being conducted based on decisions made at the highest levels of government.
He said that the quantity of ilish exported is less than what is caught at Chandpur ghat in a single day.
"Those who oppose the export are being emotional," he said to reporters at his office in the secretariat on Sunday.
The adviser said that Bangladesh has a friendly relationship with India, and there are commercial benefits to exporting ilish, which also brings in foreign currency.
He said that without export, smuggling occurs, and the country has received praise for exporting ilish to India. He emphasized that there are greater interests involved in the export.
He further encouraged a positive perspective, saying: " They have reduced duties on onions. There’s no benefit in emotional arguments. The decision to export ilish to India was made after discussions with the highest authorities. This decision was taken after careful consideration."
Notably, on Saturday, a press release from the Ministry of Commerce announced the approval for the export of 3,000 tons of ilish to India in anticipation of the Durga Puja festival, the largest celebration for the Bengali Hindu community, which will take place in October.
