Economic Adviser Farida Akhter has announced that Bangladesh will export 1,200 metric tons of hilsa to India this year on the occasion of Durga Puja—less than half of last year’s volume.

She clarified that the decision was made not under pressure, but out of goodwill in response to India’s request. Additionally, in response to demands from expatriate communities, Bangladesh has approved the export of 11,000 metric tons of hilsa to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

Farida noted that hilsa production has dropped this year due to the killing of juvenile fish (jatka), leading to tighter supplies in domestic markets. To ease prices, the government will soon initiate sales of hilsa at affordable rates in selected areas.

She also highlighted ongoing efforts to eradicate LSD (Lumpy Skin Disease) in livestock, with vaccination drives now covering districts including Sirajganj, Pabna, and Manikganj.