Legal Notice Seeks To Set Ilish Retail Price At Tk700 Per Kg

A legal notice has been issued seeking to cap the retail price of ilish at a maximum of Tk 700 per kilogram for the general public. Supreme Court lawyer Khandaker Hasan Shahriar sent the notice on Sunday.

The respondents of notice are several government officials, including the secretaries of the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and director general of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection.

The notice said that ilish is primarily a fish of the Bay of Bengal and is found in several countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar.

Although both India and Myanmar have larger maritime boundaries, ilish from Padma River is particularly prized for its flavor.

Since ilish is not farmed and occurs naturally, there are no production costs, unlike other fish in Bangladesh such as rui (salmon), which is sold for a maximum of Tk500 per kg.

With the government's approval, all ilish from Padma is exported to India, and in some cases, it is also smuggled across the border illegally.

Due to the export and smuggling of ilish to India, the local population is unable to purchase it in the market.

The notice calls for Bangladesh to formally propose synchronizing fishing bans with India to ensure both countries implement restrictions at similar times.

Additionally, the notice mentions recent media reports about the skyrocketing price of ilish in Bangladesh, with consumers paying up to Tk2,400 per kilogram. Meanwhile, ilish is exported to India at Tk1,180 per kilogram.

This price discrepancy has resulted in significant losses of foreign currency for Bangladesh, as domestic prices remain much higher than export price, the notice said.

The notice demands that within the next seven days, the wholesale and retail markets of ilish be monitored and effective measures be taken to prevent the illegal smuggling of ilish across borders.

Additionally, future ilish exports should not occur at prices lower than the domestic market price.

The notice said if these steps are not taken, a writ petition will be filed in the High Court.