Bangladesh exported the first consignment of 45.8 tonnes of hilsa fish to India through Benapole port today afternoon.

The export price of per kilogramme of hilsa was $10.

After completing the customs and port formalities, the hilsa consignment in 12 trucks were sent to the Petrapole port in India.

The Bangladeshi exporters were Mahima Enterprises, Tanisa Enterprises, Seven Star Fish Processing Ripa Enterprises and Pacific Sea Food while the Indian importers were SR International, Naz Impex Private Limited, Bimal Roy and Barkha Bikas Fees Agency.

Earlier, the government gave go-ahead to 79 exporters for shipment of 3,950 tonnes of hilsa to India on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Last year, the government gave approval for export of 2,900 tonnes of hilsa, but only 1,300 tonnes were sent to India then.

Hilsa is exported to India under duty free facility.

Since 2012, Bangladesh has been exporting hilsa to Kolkata during Durga Puja.