Dhaka, Sept. 23 -- Indian hilsa imports through Jashore's Benapole Land Port have been abruptly halted, with importers warning of heavy losses from the sudden move by the Fisheries Department.

Ashwadul Alam, inspector at the port's Fisheries Quarantine Office, said Wednesday that imports were stopped from Tuesday after letters arrived from the ministry and Fisheries Department.

No hilsa entered Benapole after Monday.

Between Jul 20 and Sept 20 this year, 553 tonnes of hilsa worth $910,000 under letters of credit were imported from India.

The move followed cancellation of 103 no-objection certificates by the Fisheries Department. No specific reason has been given for the abrupt halt.

According to quarantine office data, hilsa imported...