Sigh! Padma hilsa off Bengal's festive platter: Bangladesh's fishing ban coincides with Puja

Durga Puja diners in Kolkata are expected to miss Bangladesh’s prized Padma hilsa this year because the annual Bangladesh fishing ban overlaps with the festive season. Importers told local markets that no consignments will arrive from Bangladesh due to the timing of the ban, which runs from midnight on October 8 to October 29. The ban aims to protect mother fish during peak breeding in the Padma and other rivers. Atul Chandra Das, president of the Fish Importers’ Association in West Bengal, said the overlap leaves “no chance” of obtaining the fish during Puja weeks. Typically, 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes reach Bengal annually, but last year imports fell at least 20%.