Hilsa imports from India halted at Benapole after NOCs cancelled

Hilsa imports from India through Benapole land port have been halted after the Department of Fisheries cancelled 103 no-objection certificates (NOCs).

The department conveyed the decision in a letter signed on September 22 by its acting director general, Dr Md Khaled Kanak. The cancellation took effect immediately, suspending imports through the port.

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Aminul Haq, vice-president of the Benapole Port Importers and Exporters Association, confirmed receiving the letter. “We received a letter from the Department of Fisheries regarding the cancellation of numerous NOCs. This decision has abruptly halted imports, leaving traders in a difficult position.”

Hilsa importer Ziaur Rahman said, “The unexpected ban has pushed us toward severe financial losses. Hilsa purchased and stored in warehouses across the border will now have to be sold back at lower prices. On top of that, non-recoverable import overheads will cause significant damage.”

Port sources said 352,786 kg of hilsa, worth an estimated Tk 6.43 crore, was imported from India through Benapole over the past two months.