Staff Reporter :
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change, and Water Resources, announced on Monday that Bangladesh will export Hilsa fish to India rather than sending it as gifts.
“The Hilsa will be exported, and the revenue from this will benefit the government. It’s a significant amount that cannot be ignored,” Rizwana Hasan said. “The fish hasn’t been exported yet; a decision has only been made.”
She addressed concerns regarding potential price hikes, stating, “Prices have already increased prior to the export decision.
Claims that prices will rise further because of exports are not entirely accurate. This matter is under the government’s consideration.”
Rizwana Hasan made these remarks during a visit to the Musapur Regulator area in Noakhali’s Companiganj upazila. She emphasised the importance of maintaining dialogue with neighbouring countries, urging against ending discussions over minor issues.
On a separate note, she condemned the excessive sand extraction from rivers, labelling it “national looting.” She urged the government to take control of river dredging operations rather than allowing private companies to dominate the sand business.
Rizwana also highlighted the significance of the Musapur Regulator in preventing saltwater intrusion, estimating that completing such a project could take two to three years.
Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Khandaker Istiaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Noakhali, Munsi Amir Faisal, Executive Engineer of the Companiganj Water Development Board, and Anwar Hossain Patwary, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Companiganj, were also present during the visit.
During the event, Nurul Alam Sikder, convener of the Companiganj upazila BNP, accused Abdul Quader Mirza, brother of former Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader, of illegally extracting sand from the Muchhapur closure. In response, Rizwana Hasan requested Nurul to submit a formal written complaint for further investigation.