It’s Cattle vs Hilsa Fish at India-Bangladesh Border as Forces Tighten Security After Unrest

Forces like the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have tightened security at the India-Bangladesh border not only to prevent human trafficking but also to address smuggling of cattle and Hilsa fish.

According to a senior Border Security Force (BSF) official, the force is monitoring the smuggling of cattle into Bangladesh and has instructed all troops to patrol round-the-clock. On the other side, sources indicated that the BGB has strengthened security to prevent the illegal smuggling of Hilsa, a popular fish in India.

Hilsa — often regarded the king of fishes in West Bengal — has a unique taste that has captured the imagination of generations of Bengalis. However, the low availability of the fish in India often shoots up its prices to as much as Rs 2,500 per kilogram, making it largely dependent on imports from Bangladesh. Moreover, the Hilsa of Bangladesh are considered tastier as they are primarily captured from River Padma — a sweet water breeding ground.

Historically, Hilsa has also been used as a bargaining chip between India and Bangladesh. Amid West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s strong stand on not sharing the water of River Teesta with Bangladesh, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina played the Hilsa card multiple times, causing anger in West Bengal. In 2023, the government allowed 79 fish exporters to export 50 metric tons each to India, with permission valid until October 30.

Sources also claimed that during a meeting held after Hasina’s government fell in Bangladesh, the BSF raised concerns about cattle smuggling. In response, BGB highlighted the issue of Hilsa smuggling. Additionally, the BSF Intelligence wing has been asked to check smuggling activities as local touts involved in human trafficking from the Bangladesh side might also assist in cattle smuggling.

Officials said attempts to smuggle cattle have been made in both Meghalaya and Bangladesh following Hasina’s flight to India from Bangladesh. In a series of special operations, BSF troops thwarted cattle smuggling at the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya and rescued 23 cattle.

In another incident, BGB arrested five Indians, claiming they were armed and involved in cattle smuggling. On the other hand, the BSF argued that the BGB had wrongly arrested the individuals as they were trying to stop cattle smugglers and inadvertently crossed the border.

Last week, Bangladeshi authorities asked border-guarding forces to keep a close watch on Hilsa fish smuggling, and this has been discussed with Indian authorities as well, sources said. Since 2019, Bangladesh has allowed the export of Hilsa fish during India’s festival season that starts in October. However, during the Puja season, smugglers have historically attempted to smuggle Hilsa through the porous border, a challenge that will be tougher now due to the tightened security.