Durga Puja approaches, fish traders in India have formally requested Bangladesh to permit the export of Hilsa — the prized river fish often considered synonymous with festive feasts in Bengal. In a letter sent on Tuesday to Touhid Hossain, Adviser to Bangladesh’s caretaker government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Fish Importers’ Association of India sought early approval for the export of Hilsa from the Padma River. “Last year, Bangladesh had allowed the export of 2,420 metric tonnes of Hilsa, for which we remain deeply grateful,” wrote Syed Anwar Maqsood, Secretary of the association. “This year, we are requesting approval ahead of the Durga Puja festival, without imposing a fixed export time frame.” Maqsood pointed out that despite last year’s export approval, only 577 metric tonnes of Hilsa eventually reached India due to the narrow time window — typically 30 to 45 days — set by Dhaka. “Such a short period is insufficient to handle such a large volume of fish exports,” the letter said. Hilsa, considered a delicacy during Durga Puja — especially on the eighth day or Ashtami — holds immense cultural and culinary significance among Bengalis. A plate of Hilsa, many believe, completes the celebration. The appeal comes at a sensitive juncture in India-Bangladesh relations, which have been strained following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Issues such as border tensions and concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh have led to increased diplomatic friction. Despite the chill in bilateral ties, Indian traders are hopeful that Dhaka will consider the cultural significance of Hilsa during the festive season and grant the export request in time.