The remarks of the Finance and Trade Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed suggests that he and the Interim Government do not understand that the export of Hilsha is a matter of principle and that it negates the whole purpose of the #IndiaOut and #BoycottIndia campaigns. He does not seem to understand that this will be viewed as a betrayal by many. It is more important at this point to attain credibility with the Bangladesh public and less so with India and the Indian people as whatever the Interim Government does RAW will week to overthrow it anyway so why bother?
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I am delighted with the decision to export hilsa to India: Salehuddin Ahmed
22 September 2024
Finance and Trade Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed said, 'Hilsa fish is being exported to India for the greater interest and the decision of the highest authority. I am delighted with the decision to export hilsa to India. It has been said from many places that a good decision has been made.'
The finance and trade adviser said these things in response to questions from journalists at the secretariat on Sunday. He also said, 'The amount of hilsa being exported is not even one day's hilsa of Chandpur ghat. This decision has been taken with much thought. There is no use in talking emotionally.'
The government has decided to export 3000 tons of hilsa to India on the occasion of upcoming Durga Puja holiday on Saturday. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock said that it was not their decision, but the Ministry of Commerce took such a decision despite their objections.
It was said from the responsible quarters that hilsa fish will not be exported, the trade adviser said, "Whatever is said, 3000 tons will be exported." Our annual production is 530 thousand tons of hilsa. Three thousand tons is less than the amount of hilsa that comes in a day at Chandpur Ghat. And one of the responsible circles said. Bigger responsible circles said can be sent.'
Finance and Trade Adviser said, We have friendly relations with India. Apart from that, the export of hilsa has commercial advantages. Foreign currency will come. If not exported it is smuggling.
On the question whether the price of hilsa will increase in the country's market due to the export of hilsa to India, Salehuddin Ahmed said, 'The price is increased by the traders. Why increase for this? It's true, some people are having problems. But I don't think it is very harmful. We want to be neighbors.'
Salehuddin Ahmed's question, 'Isn't their (Indian) onion coming at a cheap price? Then you agree not to eat their onion. These are emotional talks. It is useless to say them. They have reduced the duty on onion. Onions are coming.'
. I doubt anyone outside of waste bengal has any interest in this smelly fish.
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