Mon Sep 08 19:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Bangladesh’s interim government will send 1,200 tonnes of hilsa fish to India as a goodwill gesture before the Durga Puja festival. This is a traditional practice, but the quantity is less than the previous year. The decision coincides with the start of a Joint River Commission meeting on water sharing.

**News Article:**

**Bangladesh Sends Hilsa Gift to India Ahead of Durga Puja**

**NEW DELHI – September 9, 2025** – In a gesture of goodwill and friendship, the interim government of Bangladesh has announced it will export 1,200 tonnes of hilsa fish to India ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. The prized fish, a delicacy during the festival season, will be sold at approximately ₹1,100 per kg, significantly lower than current market rates in India.

“Ilish (hilsa) is coming! The Bangladesh government just decided to export the quintessential fish to India ahead of the festival season as a mark of enduring friendship,” Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah said.

The consignment is expected to arrive in West Bengal. While Bangladesh attempted to extend the offer to Assam and Tripura, no response was received from local importers within the designated timeframe.

This year’s shipment is notably smaller than the 3,000 tonnes sent in 2024 under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, and previous years under Sheikh Hasina.

The announcement comes as officials from both nations gather for the Joint River Commission meeting to discuss river water sharing agreements. The meeting begins Tuesday, September 9.

The annual hilsa export has become a tradition symbolizing the strong relationship between Bangladesh and India. Fish exporters must submit application by September 11.

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