Dhaka, Oct. 8 -- Seven years after Bangladesh began its annual Durga Puja hilsa exports to India, the tradition is facing uncertainty this year amid political tensions and doubts over Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed New Delhi visit.

Mahalaya, marking the start of the countdown to Durga Puja, falls on Saturday. But a 22-day ban on catching, buying, selling, transporting, storing and marketing hilsa begins at midnight on Wednesday and will run until Oct 29.

No government decision has yet been announced on exports to India.

Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain told bdnews24.com he was unaware of the latest developments.

"I don't know. I don't know the latest about this. I can check with the office and tell you. I ...