Hilsa fish, national treasure and symbol of Bangladesh

Hilsa (scientific name: Tenualosa Hilsa) is the national fish of Bangladesh. It is a marine fish that comes to the rivers of Bangladesh and eastern India to lay its eggs. Hilsa is very popular among Bengalis, it is also a very popular fish in various parts of India such as West Bengal, Orissa, Tripura, and Assam. In 2017, Bangladesh’s Hilsa fish was recognized as a geographical indicator or GI product. Bangladesh produces above 75% of the world’s this fish, and 12% of the total fish produced in Bangladesh is Hilsa. This fish is excellent in taste and smell, also rich in food quality; it contains high levels of carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals as well as omega three free fatty acids, essential amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins A, D, and B. At present, Hilsa is found in about 100 rivers of Bangladesh. In particular, the main rivers of the Padma and Meghna basins, its tributaries, estuaries, and coastal areas of the Bay of Bengal are frequented by Hilsa too, in addition to that it is caught from the sea but the sea fish is not as tasty as the river fish.