Hilsa export
S A H M Tauhid, DOHS, Baridhara, Dhaka
We are deprived of the good taste of hilsa for many years because of its high price in the local market. We should also remember that the export of hilsa brings foreign exchange for the country. I personally feel that the government's recent decision to stop export of hilsa and its storing/freezing needs rethinking. "If we have a headache we should take medicine and not cut off the head". Hilsa export is being stopped on the argument that it is much cheaper in India and much dearer in Dhaka I really don't think any businessman will sell his product where it is not more profitable. So, if it is selling at Tk 600 in Dhaka why will they sell it at a cheaper price across the border? There must be other stories behind it! The government is losing foreign currency for the LC or TT made at the so called price of 1$ or 2 $ per hilsa. I feel the government should take care of this point immediately, instead of stopping export. It has also been reported that the government is going to stop storing/freezing of hilsa. But unless freezing/ storing is allowed how can the fish be preserved in good condition? Definitely, all the fish cannot be consumed in one day and unless freezing/storing facilities are there, people may fall sick by eating rotten fish. Also storing/freezing is required for recycling in the market. Another point is that many importers from outside the country have already invested a lot of money either in advance or sending LC/TT in this hilsa business. If we suddenly stop the export trade what will happen to them? The government should have given early warning before stopping export of hilsa. I have some suggestions so that Bangladeshis can enjoy their hilsa and at the same time the country earns foreign exchange: 1) Those who have already got the LC or TT may be allowed to export till the prescribed quantity in LC/TT is exhausted. 2) In order to earn more foreign exchange and rein in some unscrupulous businessmen, an amount may be fixed as the price of hilsa by the government below which export will not be permitted. 3) Each exporter can be given a quota to export keeping aside enough hilsa for the country. I am aware of the government's expertise on the subject. I am sure they can figure out a better way to protect the hilsa for our own people as well as a good source of foreign currency earning.
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