Bangladesh has deployed warships and patrol helicopters in its maritime zone, a move the government made to protect the valuable Hilsa fish species from being illegally caught during its breeding season, raising tensions in India.

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Bangladesh has deployed warships and patrol helicopters in its maritime zone. The interim government led by Mohammad Yunus took this decision to protect the valuable Hilsa fish species from illegal fishing during its breeding season. Hilsa, which resembles herring, returns to rivers every year to spawn. Hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, is a popular delicacy among the people of West Bengal, India.

According to a report in the EurAsian Times, Bangladesh Army officials have stated that they have imposed a fishing ban for approximately three weeks, from October 4th to 25th, to protect Hilsa breeding grounds. According to the statement, 17 Navy warships and patrol helicopters have been deployed to protect Hilsa fish. However, the Bangladesh Navy’s maritime patrol operations could increase tensions for India.

How much is Hilsa fish worth?

Millions of people in Bangladesh depend on Hilsa fish. This fish sells for up to 2,200 taka (US$18.40) per kilogram in Dhaka. According to an army statement, warships and maritime patrol helicopters are conducting 24-hour surveillance to prevent intrusion by fishermen.

Indian fishermen fish in the saltwater of the Ganges River and its vast delta, which supplies the demand of 100 million people in Kolkata and West Bengal. Bangladesh is concerned that if fishermen catch Hilsa fish before they can breed, the existence of its national fish could gradually be threatened.

What is the India-Bangladesh diplomacy regarding Hilsa?

The Hilsa diplomacy between India and Bangladesh has been quite famous. However, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Dhaka, Mohammad Yunus became the head of the interim government, after which the relations between the two countries have somewhat cooled down. Despite this, Bangladesh had allowed India to export 1,200 tonnes of Hilsa fish before Durga Puja this year.