Bangladeshi traders stop fish export to Tripura
Fish supply from Bangladesh to Tripura has been affected with traders from the neighbouring country stopping export to the north eastern Indian state after Indian anti-social elements allegedly demanded extortion money from them, a state official said yesterday.
The short supply has led to increase in the prices of fish, including rui, pabda and katla, in Tripura which is dependent on supplies from southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and Bangladesh.
An Indian customs official said Bangladeshi exporters have stopped exporting fish to Tripura after 10,000 kilogrammes of fish valued at $37,000 perished on September 4 when some goons demanded extortion money. When the Indian traders contacted their counterparts in Bangladesh, the latter stated that if a responsible government official from India gives an assurance in writing that their security would be ensured, only then they would resume export of fish to Tripura.
“There was a meeting of the exporters of Bangladesh in their country on September 17 during which they raised a question about how would they be compensated for their loss on September 4,” an executive of the Agartala Exporter and Importer Entrepreneur Sangha said requesting anonymity.
Speaking on the issue, BJP Tripura unit Vice-President Pratima Bhowmik said she would take the initiative to solve the problem.
“I will hold a meeting with the exporters and importers of the state to discuss how the problem can be solved. I am hopeful, a solution will come out,” she said.
