The humble Hilsa, known as “Illish” in Bengali, has long been more than just a delicacy in both Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. Its silver scales shimmer in the waters of the Padma River and the Bay of Bengal, and for centuries, it has been revered as a cultural and culinary treasure, especially among Bengalis. However, in recent months, the Hilsa has become the unlikely symbol of a diplomatic row between India and Bangladesh, following a political upheaval that has upended decades of regional alliances.
The paradox of Illish is at the heart of this tension. On one hand, it represents the shared cultural heritage of two nations; on the other, it has come to symbolize the fractures that now exist between Dhaka and New Delhi. The recent fall of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a figure long associated with close ties to India, has created a rift that extends beyond politics and into the realms of trade, food security, and national pride.
The Fall of Sheikh Hasina and the Rise of Discontent
For over a decade, Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh was seen as an ally to India. The Awami League leader maintained a strong relationship with New Delhi, which often provided political and economic support to her administration. However, over time, Hasina’s policies and governance began to draw criticism within her own country, particularly for perceived favoritism toward India at the expense of Bangladesh’s own sovereignty.
This dissatisfaction culminated in mass protests, civil unrest, and eventually her ouster from power in a popular uprising. Facing threats to her safety, Hasina fled to India, where she was granted asylum by the Indian government—a move that was met with mixed reactions in both countries. While India saw itself as fulfilling a moral obligation to an ally, many in Bangladesh viewed Hasina’s escape as a betrayal of national interests.
The Hilsa: From Diplomatic Gift to Political Pawn
Against this backdrop, the Hilsa fish became a point of contention. For years, Bangladesh has been the primary supplier of Hilsa to India, particularly West Bengal, where the fish is integral to Bengali cuisine. In fact, the Hilsa was often used as a diplomatic tool, with Dhaka gifting shipments of the prized fish to Kolkata as a gesture of goodwill during religious and cultural festivals.
However, following Hasina’s fall, this tradition came under threat. Calls for a ban on Hilsa exports to India began to circulate in Bangladesh, with many arguing that the fish should no longer be sent to a country that was seen as complicit in propping up an unpopular regime. Social media platforms were rife with heated debates, and a particular Facebook post—“Illish is paradoxical”—summed up the complex emotions surrounding the issue.
For many Bangladeshis, the Hilsa embodies national pride and economic self-sufficiency. The fish, abundant in the rivers of Bangladesh, is not just a food item; it is a symbol of the country’s rich natural resources. To continue exporting such a symbol to India, especially after Hasina sought refuge there, was seen by some as an affront to the newly invigorated sense of Bangladeshi independence.
A Diplomatic Dilemma
From India’s perspective, the Hilsa controversy adds another layer to the already delicate diplomatic situation. West Bengal, in particular, has strong emotional and cultural ties to Bangladesh, and the Hilsa has long been a bridge between the two regions. A sudden halt in Hilsa exports could strain these ties, not just economically but culturally, as Bengali festivals like Durga Puja often feature Hilsa as a centerpiece dish.
In response to the growing tensions, some Indian commentators have called for restraint, urging New Delhi to avoid any aggressive moves that could further alienate Dhaka. However, others have argued that India’s support for Sheikh Hasina was justified, pointing to her efforts in maintaining regional stability and combating terrorism—issues of paramount importance to India’s national security.
Yet, the situation remains delicate. With Hasina’s exile in India, Bangladesh’s new leadership has begun to distance itself from New Delhi, signaling a potential realignment of alliances. Reports have emerged that the new government is considering stronger ties with China, which has long been eager to expand its influence in South Asia. Should Bangladesh pivot towards Beijing, India could find itself isolated in a region where it once enjoyed considerable influence.
The Broader Implications of the Hilsa Debate
Beyond the immediate political ramifications, the Hilsa debate touches on broader themes of resource management, trade, and nationalism. Bangladesh’s decision to control or halt Hilsa exports to India would have significant economic consequences for both nations. For Bangladesh, the fish is a valuable export commodity, contributing to the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen. For India, particularly in West Bengal, the sudden loss of access to Hilsa could lead to price hikes and a scramble for alternative sources of the fish.
More importantly, the Hilsa controversy has exposed the fragility of regional cooperation in South Asia. In a region where historical tensions, border disputes, and political rivalries often dominate the narrative, the loss of a simple cultural connector like the Hilsa could further deepen divisions.
For decades, Bangladesh and India shared more than just a border—they shared a history of cooperation, culture, and mutual respect. The Hilsa fish, as trivial as it may seem, played a role in reinforcing these bonds. Its status as a diplomatic gift was symbolic of the greater relationship between the two nations—a reminder that, despite their differences, they were united by a common heritage.
The Road Ahead: Can the Illish Paradox Be Resolved?
As Bangladesh enters a new political era, and as India recalibrates its approach to its neighbor, the future of the Hilsa trade remains uncertain. Whether the fish will continue to flow across borders or become yet another casualty of shifting political winds is yet to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that the Illish paradox—its status as both a connector and a divider—will persist. The Hilsa, once a symbol of shared culture and diplomacy, has now become a pawn in a larger geopolitical struggle. Whether it can return to its former role as a bridge between two nations will depend not just on the actions of governments, but on the will of the people who have long cherished it as a symbol of their shared identity.
As one social media user poignantly put it: “The Illish may swim in our rivers, but it now floats in the currents of politics.”
Mohammad Abdul Karim is a Senior Vice President of Social Islami Bank PLC.
